All ADM Blog Posts Tagged 'Organic' - Automotive Digital Marketing2018-02-22T06:38:12Zhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blog/feed?tag=Organic&xn_auth=noNADA Convention is in Las Vegas Starting March 22tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-22:1970539:BlogPost:6566662018-02-22T00:30:00.000ZRalph Pagliahttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/RalphPaglia
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xeJBRKb*P8MI0Yu3L0QrZ88mKC-73nPb14ehe4uvuT2ytYqeri29CkX1qdvnAShLl9sfZoIcbyZr3qjzToN0yVYRT-ROvBoq/NADAlanindingpagebanner.png" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xeJBRKb*P8MI0Yu3L0QrZ88mKC-73nPb14ehe4uvuT2ytYqeri29CkX1qdvnAShLl9sfZoIcbyZr3qjzToN0yVYRT-ROvBoq/NADAlanindingpagebanner.png?width=750" width="750"></img></a> NADA is the world’s largest international convention of franchised new-vehicle dealers. These dealers gather together to share ideas and learn about new innovations within the automotive industry. Through NADA, dealers have the opportunity to meet major automakers,…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xeJBRKb*P8MI0Yu3L0QrZ88mKC-73nPb14ehe4uvuT2ytYqeri29CkX1qdvnAShLl9sfZoIcbyZr3qjzToN0yVYRT-ROvBoq/NADAlanindingpagebanner.png" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/xeJBRKb*P8MI0Yu3L0QrZ88mKC-73nPb14ehe4uvuT2ytYqeri29CkX1qdvnAShLl9sfZoIcbyZr3qjzToN0yVYRT-ROvBoq/NADAlanindingpagebanner.png?width=750" class="align-full" width="750"/></a>NADA is the world’s largest international convention of franchised new-vehicle dealers. These dealers gather together to share ideas and learn about new innovations within the automotive industry. Through NADA, dealers have the opportunity to meet major automakers, participate in workshops with top-of-the-line trainers, and connect with exhibitors who will feature cutting-edge services, technology, and equipment.</span></p>
<p></p>
<div class="sue-section-content sue-content-wrap" style="max-width: 1000px; text-align: left; color: #333333; -webkit-text-shadow: 0px 0px 0px #EEEEEE; -moz-text-shadow: 0px 0px 0px #EEEEEE; text-shadow: 0px 0px 0px #EEEEEE; margin: 0 auto;"><p>The 2018 convention will be taking place in Las Vegas. This means that in addition to gaining a wealth of knowledge, attendees will also have the opportunity to try their luck at the tables.</p>
<p>This year’s convention will also feature the following <a href="https://show.nada.org/KeynoteSpeakers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">keynote speakers:</a></p>
<ul style="margin-left: 45px; line-height: 22px;">
<li><strong>2017 NADA Chairman:</strong> Mark N. Scarpelli</li>
<li><strong>Head Football Coach, University of Alabama Crimson Tide:</strong> Nick Saban</li>
<li><strong>CEO of Waymo LLC:</strong> John Krafcik</li>
<li><strong>2017 NADA Vice Chairman:</strong> Wes Lutz</li>
<li><strong>Former SEAL Team Six Leader, Naval Special Warfare Group:</strong> Robert O’Neill</li>
</ul>
<h1><span class="hidden-xs">NADA Show Schedule</span></h1>
<div id="ctl00_MainContent_cbMain"><p>All NADA activities will take place in the Las Vegas Convention Center unless otherwise indicated.</p>
<p><b>Las Vegas Convention Center</b> </p>
<p>3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, NV 89109<br/> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>(To view a printable version of NADA Show 2018 events, details on workshops, franchise meetings, Expo and more, <a href="https://show.nada.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=21474853070" title="NADA Promo Brochure 2_DEALERS_Dec 2017">click here</a>.)<br/> <br/></em></span></p>
</div>
<div class="form-horizontal"><div class="panel-group" id="accordion"><div class="panel panel-default"><div class="panel-heading"><h4 class="panel-title"><a href="https://show.nada.org/2018/Schedule/#collapse1">Thursday, March 22</a></h4>
</div>
<div id="collapse1" class="panel-collapse collapse in" style="height: auto;"><div class="panel-body table_redinterior"><div><table rules="all" id="ctl00_MainContent_ucExpandTopics_rptTopic_ctl00_grdvContent" style="background-color: #ededed; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="0" border="1">
<tbody><tr><td></td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">7:30am-6pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Exhibitor Registration, Halls C2, N2</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">9am-6pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Attendee Registration, Hall N3</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">10:30am-noon</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Meet NADA: Convention Orientation, N245-247</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">1pm-2pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Concurrent Workshops, Studio &amp; Exchange</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">1pm-2:45pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Super Session, N112-114</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">2:30pm-3:30pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Concurrent Workshops, Studio &amp; Exchange</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">2:30pm-3:30pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Distinguished Speaker Series - Heliotropic Leadership, N115-117</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">3:15pm-5pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Super Session, N112-114</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">4pm-5pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Concurrent Workshops, Studio &amp; Exchange</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">5:30pm-7:30pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">NADA Welcome Reception co-hosted by J.D. Power, Wynn Las Vegas, Sunset Pool &amp; Terrace (optional ticketed event)</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">8pm-10pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left"><p>NADA Academy Alumni &amp; NextGen Reception, hosted by NADA Academy, NADAPAC &amp; Legislative Affairs, Wynn Las Vegas, Intrigue (by invitation only)</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="panel-heading"><h4 class="panel-title"><a href="https://show.nada.org/2018/Schedule/#collapse2" class="">Friday, March 23</a></h4>
</div>
<div id="collapse2" class="panel-collapse collapse in" style="height: auto;"><div class="panel-body table_redinterior"><div><table rules="all" id="ctl00_MainContent_ucExpandTopics_rptTopic_ctl01_grdvContent" style="background-color: #ededed; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="0" border="1">
<tbody><tr><td></td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">7:30am-5pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Exhibitor Registration, Halls C2, N2</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">7:30am-5pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Attendee Registration, Hall N3</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">8:30am</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Expo Hall Ribbon Cutting, Lower Central Concourse</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">8:30am-5pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Expo Hall &amp; Lifestyle Experience Open, Halls C1-C5; N1-N2</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">10:30am-11:30am</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Concurrent Workshops, Studio &amp; Exchange Sessions</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">10:30am-11:30am</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Distinguished Speaker Series - Culture that Rocks, N115-117</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">10:30am-11:45am</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Dealer Franchise Meetings: Acura (N262-264), Audi (N249-251), FCA (Westgate, Pavilion 9-11), Mazda (N260), Nissan (N245-247)</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">2:30pm-4pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Opening General Session, featuring Nick Saban, plus the Time Dealer of the Year presentation, Hall N4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="panel-heading"><h4 class="panel-title"><a href="https://show.nada.org/2018/Schedule/#collapse3" class="">Saturday, March 24</a></h4>
</div>
<div id="collapse3" class="panel-collapse collapse in" style="height: auto;"><div class="panel-body table_redinterior"><div><table rules="all" id="ctl00_MainContent_ucExpandTopics_rptTopic_ctl02_grdvContent" style="background-color: #ededed; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="0" border="1">
<tbody><tr><td></td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">7:30am-5pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Exhibitor Registration, Halls C2, N2</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">8am-5pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Attendee Registration, Hall N3</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">8:30am-5pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Expo Hall &amp; Lifestyle Experience Open, Halls C1-C5; N1-N2</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">8:30am-9:45am</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Dealer Franchise Meetings: BMW (N249-251), Buick-GMC &amp; Chevrolet (Hall N4), Ford (Westgate, Paradise North), Honda (Westgate, Pavilion 9-11), Kia (N260), Volkswagen (N262-264)</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">9am-10am</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Concurrent Workshops, Studio &amp; Exchange</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">10:15am-11:30am</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Dealer Franchise Meetings: Cadillac (N245-247), INFINITI (N260), Lincoln (Westgate, Paradise North), Mercedes-Benz (N256), MINI (N249-251), Porsche (N258), smart (N256), Subaru (N262-264)</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">10:30am-11:30am</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Concurrent Workshops, Studio &amp; Exchange</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">10:30am-11:30am</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Distinguished Speaker Series - Game Plan for Success, N115-117</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">1pm-2:30pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Women Dealers Event, Wynn Las Vegas, Lakeside (optional ticketed event)</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left"><p></p>
<p>3pm-4:30pm</p>
</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">General Session, featuring John Krafcik, Hall N4</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="panel-heading"><h4 class="panel-title"><a href="https://show.nada.org/2018/Schedule/#collapse4" class=""><br/> Sunday, March 25</a></h4>
</div>
<div id="collapse4" class="panel-collapse collapse in" style="height: auto;"><div class="panel-body table_redinterior"><div><table rules="all" id="ctl00_MainContent_ucExpandTopics_rptTopic_ctl03_grdvContent" style="background-color: #ededed; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;" cellspacing="0" border="1">
<tbody><tr><td></td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">7:30am- 4pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Exhibitor Registration, Halls C2, N2</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">8am-4pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Attendee Registration, Hall N3</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">8:30am-4pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Expo Hall &amp; Lifestyle Experience Open, Halls C1-C5; N1-N2</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">9am-10:15am</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Inspirational Session, featuring Robert O'Neill, Hall N4</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">10:45am-11:45am</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Concurrent Workshops &amp; Studio</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">10:45am-11:45am</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Distinguished Speaker Series - The Relevance Revolution, N115-117</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">10:45am-noon</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Dealer Franchise Meetings: Hyundai (N262-264), Lexus (N245-247), Mitsubishi (N260), Toyota (N245-247), Volvo (N258)</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">12:30pm-2:30pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Desserts on Us; compliments of NADA</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">1pm-2:30pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">Specialty Workshop - Unleash Your Inner Superhero, N114</td>
</tr>
<tr><td class="tDate" style="width: 30%;" align="left">4pm</td>
<td class="tBody" align="left">2018 NADA Convention &amp; Expo closes</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<p></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Source:</span> <a href="https://show.nada.org/2018/Schedule/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://show.nada.org/2018/Schedule/</a></strong></p>5 Keys to Safe Driving on the Highwaytag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-21:1970539:BlogPost:6565582018-02-21T23:00:00.000ZDixie Somershttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/DixieSomers
<p><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/5-keys-to-safe-driving-on-the-highway" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Tbsc-G3AyGNZfcY4QhjunY4i*tyzEPbxnRSUlUvta2vQfCfbDYnUjgWhp1iFPUAThP2cIYNA0rAANeLXpX6TnutUfaHnUia/5KeystoSafeDrivingontheHighway.JPG?width=750" width="750"></img></a> Most people drive on the highway regularly enough that they tend to forget how dangerous it can be. If you want to avoid a costly or even fatal traffic accident, keep these <a href="https://blog.allstate.com/highway-driving-safety-tips/">safe driving tips</a> in mind even if you think highway driving is second-nature.</p>
<h2>Watch Your…</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/5-keys-to-safe-driving-on-the-highway" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0Tbsc-G3AyGNZfcY4QhjunY4i*tyzEPbxnRSUlUvta2vQfCfbDYnUjgWhp1iFPUAThP2cIYNA0rAANeLXpX6TnutUfaHnUia/5KeystoSafeDrivingontheHighway.JPG?width=750" class="align-full" width="750"/></a>Most people drive on the highway regularly enough that they tend to forget how dangerous it can be. If you want to avoid a costly or even fatal traffic accident, keep these <a href="https://blog.allstate.com/highway-driving-safety-tips/">safe driving tips</a> in mind even if you think highway driving is second-nature.</p>
<h2>Watch Your Speed</h2>
<p>It’s easy to get carried away when it comes to driving fast on the highway, and that can get you in a lot of trouble if you’re not careful. Keep to the posted speed limit when you’re driving in good conditions, and don’t be afraid to slow down when the weather gets rough.</p>
<h2>Slow Down in Bad Weather</h2>
<p>Speaking of rough weather, never assume that you can drive at your regular speed when it starts to rain or snow. Even a light rain can cause you to start hydroplaning all over the highway if you’re not careful, and a severe storm will lower your visibility even when you maintain control of your vehicle. Drive slower than you would in good conditions, and remember that it will always take longer for you to stop on a wet or icy road.</p>
<h2>Keep Your Distance</h2>
<p>You can never be sure when you’re going to have to slam on your brakes and come to a sudden stop, even when everyone’s moving at a decent pace on a dry road. Try to stay at least two car lengths behind the vehicle in front of you at all times. You might need that extra space to stop if you have to hit the brakes</p>
<h2>Drive Defensively</h2>
<p>Despite how some people like to drive, highway driving isn’t a race. You don’t need to constantly force yourself in front of other drivers or keep them from passing you. When in doubt, yield to other drivers and let them go ahead of you. If they’re driving recklessly, it’s best to just let them go to create as much space between you and them as possible in case something does go wrong.</p>
<h2>Hire an Automobile Injury Attorney</h2>
<p>Even the safest drivers can end up injured in a car accident, so you need to be prepared in case that happens to you. Your car insurance should cover most of the damage to your vehicle, but you should have an attorney like <a href="http://www.attorneypersonalinjuryhouston.com/car-accidents">Jerome O Fjeld</a> in mind in case you suffer an injury in an accident.</p>
<p>Above all else, the most important thing to remember when driving on a highway is to be alert at all times. Keep these tips in mind, and always be aware of what is happening around you.</p>New Black Book White Paper Shows How To Better Analyze Risk To Enable Growth Opportunities For Subprime & Deep Subprime Lenderstag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-21:1970539:BlogPost:6565542018-02-21T21:36:49.000ZBlack Bookhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/HollyCollins
<p><em>Collateral Data &amp; Insights Help Identify Where Pockets of Growth Potential Exist to Maximize Competitive Landscape </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Black Book, a division of Hearst Business Media that provides industry-leading used vehicle valuation and residual value forecast solutions, announced today a new educational white paper focused on subprime and deep subprime auto lenders: Subprime &amp; Deep Subprime: How To Remain Competitive and Profitable Despite Growing Risk.…</p>
<p><em>Collateral Data &amp; Insights Help Identify Where Pockets of Growth Potential Exist to Maximize Competitive Landscape </em></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Black Book, a division of Hearst Business Media that provides industry-leading used vehicle valuation and residual value forecast solutions, announced today a new educational white paper focused on subprime and deep subprime auto lenders: Subprime &amp; Deep Subprime: How To Remain Competitive and Profitable Despite Growing Risk. <a href="https://www.blackbook.com/subprime-and-deep-subprime-white-paper/">Click here to download the white paper</a>.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>How Subprime &amp; Deep Subprime Have Grown</strong></p>
<p>Following the recession, and as the economy has improved, an increasing number of lenders began to offer subprime and deep subprime loans, and more independent financial institutions saw their way into the market, as well. At the same time, larger banks became full spectrum lenders that opened up space for subprime loan opportunities. While subprime and deep subprime loans have remained in check, lenders have had to grapple with ways to remain competitive and profitable in spite of any growing risks.</p>
<p>As loan volumes increased, financial institutions began relaxing their lending criteria for credit and collateral to remain highly competitive for subprime and deep subprime, resulting in higher loan-to-value ratios (LTV) using inflated values up front, placing even more importance on building the loan off the most accurate collateral value possible. As these LTVs rose, banks took on more risk, exposing themselves to more negative equity in their portfolio combined with longer loan terms, as well.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Various Scenarios Faced by Subprime &amp; Deep Subprime Lenders</strong></p>
<p>The new Black Book white paper offers specific examples showing lenders where and how collateral data can pinpoint profitable opportunities in subprime and deep subprime, while minimizing exposure to risk. These data examples including high-term scenarios even with decent credit profiles; higher LTV scenarios; and higher LTV, higher term, higher APR, and higher depreciation scenarios.</p>
<p>When a lender is looking to evaluate the amount of risk tolerance in a long-term loan, there are four things to consider:</p>
<ul>
<li>How much initial loan-to-value they want to establish</li>
<li>The rate of annual depreciation of the collateral</li>
<li>Credit profile of customer, whether subprime or prime</li>
<li>Determine if the Risk-Adjusted Return on Capital is sufficient</li>
</ul>
<p>“Subprime and Deep Subprime loans have remained a profitable opportunity for lenders, particularly following the recession since the economy is stable yet there’s still a lack of understanding of layered risks associated with these credit profiles,” said Anil Goyal, Executive Vice President, Operations at Black Book. “This white paper takes an in-depth look at different scenarios lenders face in trying to grow their portfolios profitably to remain competitive while quantifying their associated risks.”</p>
<p>To view Black Book’s new white paper: Subprime &amp; Deep Subprime: How To Remain Competitive and Profitable Despite Growing Risk, <a href="https://www.blackbook.com/subprime-and-deep-subprime-white-paper/">click here</a>. For a demo of how Black Book collateral data and resources can help amplify portfolio profits, please call 800.554.1026.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>About Black Book</strong></p>
<p>Black Book® is best known in the automotive industry for providing timely, independent and accurate vehicle pricing information, and is available to industry-qualified users through online subscription products, mobile applications and licensing agreements. Since 1955 Black Book has continuously evolved to ensure that it achieves its goal of delivering mission-critical information to its customers, along with the insight necessary to successfully buy, sell, and lend. Black Book data is published daily by National Auto Research, a division of Hearst Business media, and the company maintains offices in Georgia, Florida, and Maryland as well as the Canadian Black Book in Toronto. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.BlackBook.com">BlackBook.com</a> or call 800.554.1026.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>An Interview with Ask Patty’s Jody DeVeretag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-21:1970539:BlogPost:6567932018-02-21T19:30:00.000ZCPI Resultshttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/CenterforPerformanceImproveme
<h2><strong>The marked inequity between men and women in automotive has been a far-reaching topic.</strong></h2>
<p><strong><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/4k4zHJXi41vP4AyoVsEaa5DFJZOd5nhdz-Bs2m*rA06r8pz8C7rf27hHmW4YjdaP15ca1z5wLArZOtwSJpz1GafJ*cd51mV2/AskPatty.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/4k4zHJXi41vP4AyoVsEaa5DFJZOd5nhdz-Bs2m*rA06r8pz8C7rf27hHmW4YjdaP15ca1z5wLArZOtwSJpz1GafJ*cd51mV2/AskPatty.jpg?width=450" width="450"></img></a></strong></p>
<p>CPI scratched the surface in a previous article,<span> …</span></p>
<h2><strong>The marked inequity between men and women in automotive has been a far-reaching topic.</strong></h2>
<p><strong><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/4k4zHJXi41vP4AyoVsEaa5DFJZOd5nhdz-Bs2m*rA06r8pz8C7rf27hHmW4YjdaP15ca1z5wLArZOtwSJpz1GafJ*cd51mV2/AskPatty.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/4k4zHJXi41vP4AyoVsEaa5DFJZOd5nhdz-Bs2m*rA06r8pz8C7rf27hHmW4YjdaP15ca1z5wLArZOtwSJpz1GafJ*cd51mV2/AskPatty.jpg?width=450" width="450" class="align-right"/></a></strong></p>
<p>CPI scratched the surface in a previous article,<span> </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.centerforperformanceimprovement.com/blog/2018/2/5/where-are-all-the-women-in-automotive" rel="noopener">Where Are All the Women in Automotive</a>. </p>
<p>With less than a quarter of the automotive workforce positions occupied by women, it’s a stark contrast to the 65 percent of new vehicles purchased by women. It warrants further exploration. </p>
<h2><strong>What better source to tap into than Jody DeVere, CEO of<span> </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.askpatty.com/" rel="noopener">AskPatty.com</a>, an automotive advice website geared toward women.</strong></h2>
<p>We asked Jody about women working in the automotive industry, challenges and opportunities, and her opinions on how the industry should change. </p>
<p>Q: There’s roughly a four-to-one ratio, men-to-women in employment in the automotive industry. What is the obvious reason for the disparity between the sexes?</p>
<p><strong>Jody: It’s very obvious. It goes back 100 years or so, to when the automotive industry was started. At the time, women weren’t working at all. Men were the breadwinners. It really wasn’t until World War II, when men went off to war, that women were called upon to work in manufacturing. After WWII, they were lured back to the home, so men could get their jobs back. </strong></p>
<p><strong>The last 10 or 15 years, I believe the industry has begun to see the value of having not just women, but women in leadership, and influential roles, involved. I think things are changing dramatically. Women are feeling much more empowered and they feel enabled to do anything the guys can do. It’s a very exciting time for our industry. </strong></p>
<p>Q: What are the greatest areas of opportunity for women in automotive?</p>
<p><strong>Jody: I think it’s completely open. It could be everything from engineering, designing vehicles and parts, to management, executive leadership. It’s an open playing field out there right now. <br/>A caveat is that you’ll have to talk to them in junior high school before they’ve decided what they want to be. So, I encourage our industry to get more involved with these young people, because that’s where I believe our growth will come, especially for women. I do see a lot of quality younger women coming up in the ranks. </strong></p>
<p>Q: What suggestions do you have for dealers, manufacturers, and OEMs regarding women in automotive?</p>
<p><strong>Jody: Two things that I see being successful are employee resource groups for women; supporting women in that environment. Many times, they tend to be isolated, just ‘her’ and a bunch of guys. The human resources groups are incredibly powerful to networking for women internally and providing education for personal development, mentoring programs, and ways to talk about some of the issues they have collectively. Hyundai has one, Mercedes-Benz has one. General Motors has the<span> </span><a target="_blank" href="http://www.gmwomensretailnetwork.com/" rel="noopener">GM Women’s Retail Network</a>. My experience is this really helps bring more women into the workforce. </strong></p>
<p><strong>The second part is supporting women in being present in automotive industry events. There are many amazing sponsors that have thrown their hat in to support women in a global manner. </strong></p>
<p>Q: What advice would you give to women who want to pursue opportunities in the automotive sector?</p>
<p><strong>Jody: Don’t go it alone. Join a development group for women. Get a good mentor, male or female, who’s ahead of you in the curve of your career to help you get over some of those hurdles. Be your best self and have courage. </strong></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.askpatty.com/" rel="noopener">AskPatty.com</a><span> </span>offers dealer certification with online training geared towards selling techniques for women, female-friendly storefront curb appeal, marketing to women, and other relevant facets of the industry. After certification, dealers are listed online as female-friendly locations. If you’re interested in becoming AskPatty certified, visit the<span> </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.askpatty.com/getcertified/" rel="noopener">Get Certified link</a><span> </span>on their website. </p>
<p><em>The documents posted on this Website contain external links or pointers to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links and pointers are provided for the user’s convenience. Center for Performance Improvement does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of this outside information. The inclusion of links or pointers to particular items is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended as an endorsement by or for the Center for Performance Improvement. </em></p>
<p><em>See the original article on <a href="https://www.centerforperformanceimprovement.com/blog/2018/2/21/an-interview-with-ask-pattys-jody-devere" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Center for Performance Improvement</a></em></p>Squeaky Brakes? 4 Reasons to Get Them Checked ASAPtag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-21:1970539:BlogPost:6567912018-02-21T18:38:29.000ZKara Mastersonhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/KaraMasterson
<p>It isn’t uncommon to hear a squeaking noise coming from your car’s brakes. This is because the brake pads, calipers and other components do have a limited useful life. However, it is important to get the brakes checked quickly when you hear that noise.</p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/hofgbwIsxdOg*keTTMwZ4OD0B6HWTFuOJPs5pRrud2Srs*-8Jgq5kDjKDz1D608rcu0MgSenNZHYvl8dvubIU35*bD0kKKbc/SqueakyClean4HouseCareTipsforNewHomeowners.png" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/hofgbwIsxdOg*keTTMwZ4OD0B6HWTFuOJPs5pRrud2Srs*-8Jgq5kDjKDz1D608rcu0MgSenNZHYvl8dvubIU35*bD0kKKbc/SqueakyClean4HouseCareTipsforNewHomeowners.png?width=750" width="750"></img></a></p>
<h2>The Brake Pads…</h2>
<p>It isn’t uncommon to hear a squeaking noise coming from your car’s brakes. This is because the brake pads, calipers and other components do have a limited useful life. However, it is important to get the brakes checked quickly when you hear that noise.</p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/hofgbwIsxdOg*keTTMwZ4OD0B6HWTFuOJPs5pRrud2Srs*-8Jgq5kDjKDz1D608rcu0MgSenNZHYvl8dvubIU35*bD0kKKbc/SqueakyClean4HouseCareTipsforNewHomeowners.png" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/hofgbwIsxdOg*keTTMwZ4OD0B6HWTFuOJPs5pRrud2Srs*-8Jgq5kDjKDz1D608rcu0MgSenNZHYvl8dvubIU35*bD0kKKbc/SqueakyClean4HouseCareTipsforNewHomeowners.png?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<h2>The Brake Pads Could Be Completely Worn</h2>
<p>Usually, the squeaking noise means that the brake pad is either starting to go bad or has already worn away to nothing. When this happens, the calipers and the rotors start to make contact with each other. It is never a good idea to allow metal surfaces within your brakes to grind against each other as this could significantly impact its ability to come to a full stop.</p>
<h2>The Calipers and Rotors Could Be Scratched</h2>
<p>If the calipers and rotors are allowed to make contact with each other, their surfaces could be scored. In the event of minor damage, it may be possible to simply shave the rotors down. The calipers may still be in good enough condition that you can put new brake pads on them and start driving again. However, if significant damage is done, the rotors and calipers may need to be replaced, which could cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.</p>
<h2>Your Vehicle May Start to Overcompensate</h2>
<p>In some cases, your brakes may only be worn on the right or left side. If this is the case with your vehicle, the brakes on the side that is working properly may have to work harder to stop the car. This could lead to needing new brakes in addition to their components. It could also result in damage to an axle, which could cost thousands of dollars to replace.</p>
<h2>Brakes Are Generally Not under Warranty</h2>
<p>When you buy a vehicle, you generally get a warranty to cover certain parts against early wear or malfunction. However, brakes are expected to wear out, which means that they generally aren’t covered by warranty. If your car is still under warranty, it may be worthwhile to seek out a dealer service center. This may ensure that the work is done right, which may help to avoid future complications that could void the warranty.</p>
<p>If you start to hear squeaking when you apply the brake, take your car in for service by a professional like <a href="http://www.dualtoneauto.com/brakes">Dualtone Muffler Brake &amp; Alignment</a> or someone similar immediately. While any auto shop can help you, it may be best to take it to a dealer service center as technicians may be better able to do quality work on your car or truck.</p>How to Tailor the Brand Experience for the Decision Makertag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-21:1970539:BlogPost:6566612018-02-21T17:08:20.000ZAnne Fleminghttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/AnneFleming
<p>It’s critical to create ways to tailor your consumer brand experience to the female buyer. She is your number one referral source and the key decision maker of 85% of all purchases at your dealership.</p>
<p>We recently had the distinct privilege of interviewing Katie Mares, who inspires audiences around the world to think differently about their customer experience and service.</p>
<p>Katie shares, “Dealers that are not curating an experience for the female buyer are losing her lifetime…</p>
<p>It’s critical to create ways to tailor your consumer brand experience to the female buyer. She is your number one referral source and the key decision maker of 85% of all purchases at your dealership.</p>
<p>We recently had the distinct privilege of interviewing Katie Mares, who inspires audiences around the world to think differently about their customer experience and service.</p>
<p>Katie shares, “Dealers that are not curating an experience for the female buyer are losing her lifetime value, which Carl Sewall has estimated at $517,000. That is serious money and margin.”</p>
<p><strong>Here are 4 tips from Katie on tailoring the consumer brand experience toward women:</strong></p>
<p><strong>1. Create real relationships.</strong> Building trust with your female consumer base is extremely important when it comes to referrals and their desire to purchase a vehicle. One of the best ways to do this is to create real relationships. I use the word real intentionally, as women can sense when someone isn't sincere and will walk. Get to know your female consumers through actively listening, showing compassion and empathy, and taking an interest in what they need or want (even if it’s outside purchasing a car).</p>
<p><strong>2. Make it personal.</strong> Capture information and use it in a meaningful way to tailor the experience and make it personalized. For example, if a customer has spoken about her son Johnny playing in a soccer tournament, make sure to ask about this the next time she visits. Remembering this detail not only makes her experience personalized, it also contributes to building a stronger relationship.</p>
<p><strong>3. Create a female-friendly atmosphere.</strong> Ask yourself, “Is my dealership female friendly?” Here are some things to look for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Is the music appropriate?</li>
<li>How vast is our magazine menu selection?</li>
<li>An overnight car is the number one item requested by women in the service drive. Do you offer this concierge service?</li>
<li>What is the temperature in our dealership? Is it too cold?</li>
</ul>
<p>There are many ways to create a more open and friendly environment, but you must flip the lens and look through another POV.</p>
<p><strong>4. Train for EQ.</strong> EQ—that’s the good stuff like having self-awareness, listening, and having empathy. It’s critical to building your sales to women. One of the main reasons women walk out is because they don’t like the way they were approached or treated. Advisors with high EQ can read people’s nonverbal cues and can adjust their approach based on the needs of each consumer.</p>
<p>Focus your training on soft skills (EQ) and layer in the IQ (product knowledge) as you go. When you blend EQ and IQ, you will receive optimum engagement from your female consumer.</p>
<p>Each of these tips will help to create an above-board customer experience that ultimately will increase your CSI results on all fronts plus outstanding reviews, loyalty, and retention.</p>
<p>For more information visit, <a href="https://katiemares.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.katiemares.com</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/katie_mares1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@katie_mares1</a> (Twitter).</p>Why Dealers Should Embrace Digital Retailingtag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-21:1970539:BlogPost:6567452018-02-21T14:11:58.000ZBill Wittenmyerhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/BillWittenmyer
<p>All indicators point to 2018 as a milestone year for <a href="https://hubs.ly/H0b1XgH0">automotive digital retailing</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Manufacturers including Ford, Toyota and BMW are working to develop products that allow customers to buy a vehicle from their dealerships’ websites.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Large dealer groups like AutoNation, Sonic Automotive, Asbury and Penske have developed, or are in the process of developing, online car shopping tools and software for their dealers’…</p>
<p>All indicators point to 2018 as a milestone year for <a href="https://hubs.ly/H0b1XgH0">automotive digital retailing</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Manufacturers including Ford, Toyota and BMW are working to develop products that allow customers to buy a vehicle from their dealerships’ websites.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Large dealer groups like AutoNation, Sonic Automotive, Asbury and Penske have developed, or are in the process of developing, online car shopping tools and software for their dealers’ websites.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And vendors are jumping on the digital retailing bandwagon as well.<a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0ED13l1HTl6sYrkQkoBzLh6Vp*9*Xr9lGY5sSTaKqz4PyvOkhpwqVTtzqsev3OFpyjwP7TIkPqfbP8F6MiC37FkH0LHRCsEJ/EmbraceDigitalRetailing.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0ED13l1HTl6sYrkQkoBzLh6Vp*9*Xr9lGY5sSTaKqz4PyvOkhpwqVTtzqsev3OFpyjwP7TIkPqfbP8F6MiC37FkH0LHRCsEJ/EmbraceDigitalRetailing.jpg?width=350" width="350" class="align-right" style="padding: 2px;"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Consumer demand exists; according to Cox Automotive’s <em>Future of Digital Retail Study</em>, 83 percent of car shoppers say they want to complete one or more steps of the purchase process online.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It seems that the only people who aren’t thrilled about automotive digital retailing are dealers themselves. Many dealers are reluctant to implement a digital retailing solution. Their primary concerns include:</p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li>Losing control of the sales process</li>
<li>Decline in gross profits, especially from F&amp;I products</li>
<li>Significant investment required</li>
<li>Process changes and training required</li>
<li>Integration issues</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>While consumer demand for digital retailing is unlikely to go away anytime soon, it’s not necessarily going to be bad news for dealers. Most of the digital retailing products in development are designed to keep your dealership central to the vehicle purchasing process. Not all solutions require a significant investment, and integration can be seamless with the right solution.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The vast majority of consumers still want to visit dealerships at some point during the buying process. Car shoppers still rely heavily on dealerships for inventory selection, accepting trade-ins and arranging finance. Most consumers still want the touch, feel and smell experience of buying a car.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>According to the Capgemini <em>Cars Online 2017</em> study, 71 percent of car buyers want to take a test drive and see the car in real life. The Cox study found that 89 percent of consumers said they want to sign final documents at the dealership; although 25 percent of those would like to review the paperwork before coming in.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Additionally, there are many variables such as credit scores and state laws that affect a person’s ability to transact a vehicle purchase online. Some consumers will always find it easier to let dealership staff manage the process.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bottom line? Even though consumer demand is there, adoption rates will likely be slow.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ELEAD1ONE predicts that within two years, five to ten percent of consumers will complete some of the purchase processes online. In three to five years, that will grow to 20 or 30 percent.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This doesn’t mean dealers should adopt a wait-and-see attitude.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The Time is Now</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The faster dealers embrace <a href="https://hubs.ly/H0b1XgH0">digital retailing</a>, the more control they will have over the car-buying process by lessening the impact of solutions that cut dealers out of the process.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You’ve probably heard about third-party websites that plan to offer consumers the ability to purchase a vehicle online. Their proposed format is to sell the almost-completed deals as leads to dealerships.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The fact is, car shoppers must complete the transaction at your dealership. They need you. Why bother with a third-party solution when you can have your own?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The reason there’s so much hype about online car buying is that consumers have an interest. Once the tools become available, consumers will start using them. You want to encourage consumers to spend time shopping on your own website instead of relying on a third-party where you won’t control the process.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>In the near future, the vast majority of online car buying will be completed with a hybrid approach. The customer will start the process online, reach out to the dealership for help through the process, and finally come to the dealership for a test drive and/or to complete the paperwork.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There will always be a percentage of customers who want to visit your dealership. There may be disruptors threatening to upend our business, but the reality is, the laws are still in your favor.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>However, that may not always be the case. Rather than fight the inevitable disruption, embrace it by giving your customers what they want. Digital retailing is not a revolution; it’s simply the next step in the natural evolution of the car sales business.</p>Auto Insurance: How to Find the Best Deal for Your Cartag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-21:1970539:BlogPost:6567202018-02-21T00:41:34.000ZLizzie Weakleyhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/LizzieWeakley
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/SJ3gENfsGOCYcNKCTrwmQrkLBr2M3lI8-zx1jb-tSF954wXf10tc3BmtrxClOzPNNZ8ex-0CAB41T3RY8m7RMGeDjfoQ1QfL/AutoInsuranceHowtoFindtheBestDealforYourCar.JPG" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="344" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/SJ3gENfsGOCYcNKCTrwmQrkLBr2M3lI8-zx1jb-tSF954wXf10tc3BmtrxClOzPNNZ8ex-0CAB41T3RY8m7RMGeDjfoQ1QfL/AutoInsuranceHowtoFindtheBestDealforYourCar.JPG?width=750" width="613"></img></a></p>
<p>Car insurance can get fairly expensive, regardless of where you live. You can easily find yourself paying too much and if you’re a fairly safe driver, you have every reason to be concerned. While it is possible to get a better deal, you might need some advice on how to go…</p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/SJ3gENfsGOCYcNKCTrwmQrkLBr2M3lI8-zx1jb-tSF954wXf10tc3BmtrxClOzPNNZ8ex-0CAB41T3RY8m7RMGeDjfoQ1QfL/AutoInsuranceHowtoFindtheBestDealforYourCar.JPG" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/SJ3gENfsGOCYcNKCTrwmQrkLBr2M3lI8-zx1jb-tSF954wXf10tc3BmtrxClOzPNNZ8ex-0CAB41T3RY8m7RMGeDjfoQ1QfL/AutoInsuranceHowtoFindtheBestDealforYourCar.JPG?width=750" class="align-center" width="613" height="344"/></a></p>
<p>Car insurance can get fairly expensive, regardless of where you live. You can easily find yourself paying too much and if you’re a fairly safe driver, you have every reason to be concerned. While it is possible to get a better deal, you might need some advice on how to go about it. Here are some tips on finding the best deal on car insurance.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Do Your Research</h2>
<p>There’s no shortage of commercials trying to convince you that they’re the best deal in town. Unfortunately, rates can vary among different companies, even for the same driver. Your best bet is to shop around and look for discounts. Bundling auto insurance with other types of policies, owning a vehicle with certain safety features and agreeing to receive statements online (paperless) could qualify you for discounts. Note that you might also get lower rates from local and regional insurers like <a href="http://www.robjacksoninsurance.com/insurance-lehi-utah/">Rob Jackson Insurance</a>.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Maintain Good Credit</h2>
<p>One of the most important things you can do to ensure a better rate is to take care of your credit. Your credit score is taken into account in most states, with the exception of California, Massachusetts and Hawaii, when receiving auto insurance quotes. Having poor credit can actually cost you <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/insurance/car-insurance-rate-increases-poor-credit/">hundreds</a> of dollars more each year, compared to someone with good credit. Be sure to pay your bills on time, pay down your debts and keep track of your credit score to ensure there are no errors on it.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Downsize Your Vehicle</h2>
<p>Some vehicles will cost more to insure than others, regardless of the owner’s driving record. Whether you get a discount or a surcharge doesn’t necessarily indicate the quality of the vehicle. On the other hand, it’s likely to reflect factors like accident frequency, repair costs and likelihood of theft. Certain websites can provide you with a rating that should give you some idea where your vehicle stands. Be sure to take this into consideration when purchasing a new or used vehicle.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Drive Safely</h2>
<p>One of the most common ways to qualify for a discount is to maintain a safe driving record. You might for discounts of 5 to 10 percent, depending on how many years you’ve gone without tickets or accidents. Lawyers, doctors and senior citizens are among the groups of people who are thought to be less accident-prone. If you fit this profile, you could potentially save some money. You might also get a discount for attending a defensive driving course.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Raise Your Deductible</h2>
<p>Choosing the highest deductible you can handle signals that you’ll likely use your policy only for losses that are worth the trouble. If the damage is small and affordable, you would be better off paying for it yourself. This allows you to qualify for a lower premium, since you’re accepting a larger portion of the risk. The higher your deductible is, the larger the discount you can expect. Just be sure to set some of the money you’re saving aside for potential expenses.</p>
<p> </p>
<h2>Insure Multiple Cars with One Policy</h2>
<p>If you have multiple cars in your household, consider putting them all on the same policy. Most insurance companies will cut you a discount for additional vehicles under the same coverage. Since more experienced drivers can qualify for better rates, if you’re under 25, it makes sense to get someone like that on your policy. On a similar note, you may also qualify for a discount if you’re willing to take out other types of policies with the company, such as for home insurance.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Remember to reevaluate your policy at least twice a year. There’s lots of competition in the insurance market and rates have a way of creeping up gradually. Fortunately, there will always be another company out there with lower rates that’s willing to give you a better deal.</p>100+ Used Car Dealers per Week Listing on New Classified Site at No Charge for Listings or Leads!tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-20:1970539:BlogPost:6566452018-02-20T20:36:39.000ZKelly Kleinmanhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/KellyKleinman
<p>The concept is quite simple; give used car dealers a place to list their inventory, send them free leads, and get someone else to pay for it! Seems simple enough right?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.UsedCarsForSale.com">www.UsedCarsForSale.com</a> staff is signing 100+ dealers per week to their state-of-the-art automotive classified site that they espouse as being “free for life” to any and all car dealers with used car inventory. For any dealers with doubts as to the expected veracity of this…</p>
<p>The concept is quite simple; give used car dealers a place to list their inventory, send them free leads, and get someone else to pay for it! Seems simple enough right?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.UsedCarsForSale.com">www.UsedCarsForSale.com</a> staff is signing 100+ dealers per week to their state-of-the-art automotive classified site that they espouse as being “free for life” to any and all car dealers with used car inventory. For any dealers with doubts as to the expected veracity of this classified site, consider the fact that Lithia Motors, Group 1 Automotive, and Larry H. Miller are now listing their used car inventory on it as well. Truth be told, it’s only free to dealers with used car inventory.</p>
<p>Yes, used car dealers get free listings and leads, but someone is definitely picking up the tab. If it’s not dealers, then who is it? Turns out there is a huge need for testing platforms, specifically, for marketing technology.</p>
<p>Technologists from a variety of companies are paying to beta-test their technology and services to see what is best suited to drive high-quality traffic (with a high-intent to buy) to dealership sites, and how to process them once they get to the site.</p>
<p>For used car dealers who are looking to list inventory and receive free leads, the site is a “gift horse” in the making. For companies with promising technology that need a means to beta-test, a relationship with the folks at <a href="http://UsedCarsForSale.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UsedCarsForSale.com</a> makes a lot of sense. Not to be confused with any other automotive classified site with “car” in it, this site is just a great, old-school, free referral site, with a consumer friendly design, and high-tech backend where dealers can expect to receive first-generation, solid leads from.</p>
<p>As inventory builds, and dealers from all 50 states and Canada continue to join at the rate they currently are, <a href="http://www.UsedCarsForSale.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.UsedCarsForSale.com</a> is poised to become a major provider of revenue for tens of thousands of car dealers with used car inventory of all shapes and sizes.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dealershipnews.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.dealershipnews.com</a> for more blog pieces and dealer interviews!</p>Olympics & Toyota Advertising Effectivenesstag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-20:1970539:BlogPost:6567142018-02-20T16:36:40.000ZJohn Sternalhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/JohnSternal
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: black;"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Toyota debuted its "Start Your Impossible" Olympics-themed ad campaign and launched in time for last week's Opening Ceremonies. Jumpstart Automotive Media tracked the launch of the campaign to analyze if the ad spots had any immediate impact in boosting shopper interest of Toyota vehicles across Jumpstart's network of automotive publishing sites.…</font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: black;"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Toyota debuted its "Start Your Impossible" Olympics-themed ad campaign and launched in time for last week's Opening Ceremonies. Jumpstart Automotive Media tracked the launch of the campaign to analyze if the ad spots had any immediate impact in boosting shopper interest of Toyota vehicles across Jumpstart's network of automotive publishing sites.</font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79;"><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: black;"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Toyota did in fact see a lift in shopper interest during the opening weekend of the Olympics. According to Jumpstart, <b>Toyota had a 6.00% share</b> of shopper interest during the five weekends prior to the start of the Olympics. The carmaker saw a <b>19% lift during opening weekend when it jumped to 7.15%</b> among all brands on Jumpstart's sites.</font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79;"><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><b><span style="margin: 0px; color: black;">About Toyota's</span></b> <span style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79;"><a href="https://www.olympic.org/news/follow-toyota-s-example-and-start-your-impossible"><b>"Start Your Impossible"</b></a></span> <b><span style="margin: 0px; color: black;">Olympic-themed campaign:</span></b></font></font></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><i><span style="margin: 0px; color: black;"><font face="Calibri" size="3">To inspire Toyota Olympic fans, but also employees, partners and customers, and connect them with the company’s core beliefs, Toyota has launched “Start Your Impossible”, a global initiative that reflects Toyota’s unwavering values to overcome challenges and highlights the company’s goal to provide freedom of mobility for all. </font></span></i></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79;"><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><b><span style="margin: 0px; color: black;"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Jumpstart’s Path to Purchase Reports</font></span></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: black;"><font face="Calibri" size="3">Jumpstart analyzes share of shopper interest regularly to gain insight into what consumers are considering when researching their next vehicle purchase, as well as how long it takes them to make a decision and how media influences their shopping process. These insights are based on the shopping patterns of more than 17 million in-market auto shoppers who are researching vehicles across the company’s portfolio of automotive publishers.</font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><b><span style="margin: 0px; color: black;"><font face="Calibri" size="3">About Jumpstart</font></span></b></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10.0pt 0in;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: black;"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3">Jumpstart Automotive Media, a division of Hearst Autos, offers high-impact and performance-driven marketing and advertising solutions that achieve optimum results. An industry thought-leader known for its in-depth shopping reports, Jumpstart connects automotive marketers with the largest, high-performing audience of car shoppers and enthusiasts through partnerships with: <i>Car and Driver, U.S. News Best Cars, J.D. Power Cars, NADAguides, Autoweek.com, Autobytel, Autolist.com, Daily News Autos, LeftLaneNews.com, CarSoup, CarBuzz, CarStory, and VehicleHistory.com.</i></font></font></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79;"><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font></span></p>
<p></p>Mainstream Car Segments Holiding Pricestag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-20:1970539:BlogPost:6565322018-02-20T16:27:13.000ZBlack Bookhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/HollyCollins
<p><span style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79; font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;"><font size="3">Welcome to this week's edition of Black Book Market Insights, with in-depth analysis of used car and truck valuation trends and insights straight from the auction lanes. …</font></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79; font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;"><font size="3">Welcome to this week's edition of Black Book Market Insights, with in-depth analysis of used car and truck valuation trends and insights straight from the auction lanes. <a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__blackbookauto.com_insights&amp;d=CwMFAg&amp;c=B73tqXN8Ec0ocRmZHMCntw&amp;r=xFU-v51HnfjrWnMvSYSAU0Q93qFbW0CPWj45dJ9Faxs&amp;m=NABsrhbYqYNQBSaIy74jRAwCgo6o4N34yx-sSSyCEGI&amp;s=sZjebiYqErFNfuBnX56npcrNwBGcfACoG9GuKO9_O5I&amp;e=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to download the full report</a>.</font></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79; font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;"><font size="3">This week’s Black Book Market Insights report shows a continuation of early spring season, with many car segments unchanged in their depreciation levels last week, compared with trucks, which saw larger price declines during the week. The report also illustrates three-year retention rates on Full-Size Pickups.</font></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79; font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;"><font size="3">“Tax season demand is starting to show up at the auto auctions as lower value vehicles hold prices well,” said Anil Goyal, Executive Vice President, Operations.</font></span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;">Volume-weighted, overall car segment values decreased by 0.23% last week, much better than the average weekly decrease of 0.47% in values over the previous four weeks.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;">Compact Car, Sub-Compact Car, Mid-Size Car, and Full-Size Car segments performed the best among all car segments with values holding still from last week.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;">Volume-weighted, overall truck segment (including pickups, SUVs, and vans) values decreased by 0.43% last week, similar to the average weekly decrease of 0.45% in values over the previous four weeks.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;">Compact Van, Small Pickup, Full-Size Van, and Compact Crossover/SUV segments performed the best among all the truck segments.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79; font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;"><font size="3"> </font></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79; font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;"><font size="3"><a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__blackbookauto.com_insights&amp;d=CwMFAg&amp;c=B73tqXN8Ec0ocRmZHMCntw&amp;r=xFU-v51HnfjrWnMvSYSAU0Q93qFbW0CPWj45dJ9Faxs&amp;m=NABsrhbYqYNQBSaIy74jRAwCgo6o4N34yx-sSSyCEGI&amp;s=sZjebiYqErFNfuBnX56npcrNwBGcfACoG9GuKO9_O5I&amp;e=" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to download the full report</a>.</font></span></p>
<p><span style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79; font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;"><font size="3"> </font></span></p>
<p><font size="3"><strong><span style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79; font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;">Media Contact:</span></strong><span style="margin: 0px; color: #1e4e79; font-family: 'Helvetica',sans-serif;"><br/> John Sternal<br/> Merit Mile for Black Book<br/> 954-592-1201</span></font></p>The Golden Rule for Change and Improvementtag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-20:1970539:BlogPost:6567002018-02-20T15:10:37.000ZUjj Nathhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/UjjNath
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0T6INCzT27HpWiVbptL*AHQkYxK5gnU1acZ4*CA3sqyPzKT3fXCcj6N63xfvqv1eaf7Fq*iLhYf1*oz4IyZogMAS0rGnUvKa/2mkimage.jpeg" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0T6INCzT27HpWiVbptL*AHQkYxK5gnU1acZ4*CA3sqyPzKT3fXCcj6N63xfvqv1eaf7Fq*iLhYf1*oz4IyZogMAS0rGnUvKa/2mkimage.jpeg?width=350" width="350"></img></a> The automotive industry as we know it is undergoing a transition. From electric cars, to ride sharing, to autonomous cars, the landscape is rapidly changing. With consumers demanding convenience, and technology that radically changes the customer experience, we should brace for a decade of disruptive…</p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0T6INCzT27HpWiVbptL*AHQkYxK5gnU1acZ4*CA3sqyPzKT3fXCcj6N63xfvqv1eaf7Fq*iLhYf1*oz4IyZogMAS0rGnUvKa/2mkimage.jpeg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0T6INCzT27HpWiVbptL*AHQkYxK5gnU1acZ4*CA3sqyPzKT3fXCcj6N63xfvqv1eaf7Fq*iLhYf1*oz4IyZogMAS0rGnUvKa/2mkimage.jpeg?width=350" width="350" class="align-right"/></a>The automotive industry as we know it is undergoing a transition. From electric cars, to ride sharing, to autonomous cars, the landscape is rapidly changing. With consumers demanding convenience, and technology that radically changes the customer experience, we should brace for a decade of disruptive change.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>All this change sometimes makes it difficult to wrap our minds around how to identify problem areas and create solutions that solve them.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I recently read about an interesting concept in the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/08/opinion/changemaker-social-entrepreneur.html">New York Times</a>. The author suggests that it’s not only the automotive industry that’s undergoing this change, but our society overall. He posits that once upon a time society had a plan for each of us. We went to school, perhaps to college, learned a trade and then worked at that trade. However, with many jobs now automated, and humans supplanted by machines, there’s no longer a set path for some individuals.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The article suggests that we, both as individuals and a society, need to become changemakers. What’s a changemaker? According to the article, “Changemakers are people who can see the patterns around them, identify the problems in any situation, figure out ways to solve the problem, organize fluid teams, lead collective action and then continually adapt as situations change.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Sounds like a tall order, right? My guess, however, is that your dealership already has employees with this desire, but it may not have been harnessed. It could be a manager, salesperson, technician, service advisor, or even the porter.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>To harness this latent talent pool, you need to build a bottom-up culture. Remember, your employees want to see you “walk the talk.” If you are serious about improvement, everyone should be empowered to make suggestions and initiative should be rewarded. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Toyota’s famous continuous improvement philosophy relies on practitioners identifying “Muda,” otherwise known as waste, and then “kaizen-ing,” or improving the process. The trick is to get everyone at your dealership to become Kaizen agents. Empowering everyone is simply a matter of accepting ideas, executing them and then recognizing the improvement through visual means that others notice.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Your employees are your most valuable assets. Every employee has a drive inside them to make a difference. Engaging them in this way will get them to be more committed and they will stay longer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Take the leap and change the culture of your company so that everyone becomes a change agent!</p>
<p> </p>Swapalease.com Unveils Quarterly Auto Lease Trends Report For Q4 2017tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-20:1970539:BlogPost:6566402018-02-20T15:02:35.000ZJohn Sternalhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/JohnSternal
<p style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Swapalease.com, the nation's largest online car lease marketplace, today released its quarterly lease trends report…</p>
<p style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Swapalease.com, the nation's largest online car lease marketplace, today released its quarterly lease trends report for the fourth quarter, 2017. The report shows the impact of holiday marketing dollars and the effect on lease shopping during the fourth quarter in comparison to Q4 of 2016. Search traffic for today's auto brands remained fairly stable and consistent with that of last year's fourth quarter for most brands, with luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Infiniti each seeing increases to close out the year while Ram saw a significant increase of over 290% from Q4 of last year. <a href="http://www.swapalease.com/mediacenter/leasing/files/Q4_2017.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here for the report.</a> </p>
<p style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Ram saw a noticeable jump in search traffic seeing a healthy rebound from lower numbers a year ago (+290%), followed by Toyota (+29%), Mercedes Benz (+18%), BMW (+13%), and Infiniti (+13%). GMC, Subaru, and Cadillac saw the smallest growth in search traffic, with GMC (+5%), Subaru (+4%), and Cadillac (+3%). </p>
<p style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">In comparison to Q3, most brands saw similar search traffic share on the site. BMW holds the top spot as the brand with the largest overall traffic on Swapalease.com, at 12%, followed by Mercedes-Benz holding 8% of the total search traffic during the quarter. Even though Ram saw the largest jump in search traffic during the quarter, it still only represents 1% of the overall traffic in the marketplace.</p>
<p style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The average monthly payment on a lease was registered at $485.47, a slight increase from the third quarter ($484.79). Mercedes-Benz is currently the most expensive brand to lease with an average monthly payment of $784. Contrariwise, Volkswagen is the most inexpensive brand to lease with an average monthly payment of $324, followed by Buick at $335, and Honda at $338. </p>
<p style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The report also shows that SUV leases, Fullsize Cars, Midsize Cars, Small cars, and Crossovers all saw increases in their numbers from Q3, while Sports Cars and Trucks both saw a decrease.</p>
<p style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">“It’s no surprise that leasing remains healthy and viable as a sales alternative for dealers and consumers,” said Scot Hall, Executive Vice President of Swapalease.com. “It was a little surprising to see a few more people interested in changing to another brand, and interested in changing their vehicle type, which might be a reflection of the confidence the economy continues to instill in consumers.”</p>
<p style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.swapalease.com/mediacenter/leasing/files/Q4_2017.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click HERE to access the Q4 lease report.</a></p>
<p style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><strong style="color: #000000; line-height: 24px;">About Swapalease.com: </strong></p>
<p style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Swapalease.com is the world’s largest automotive lease marketplace and the pioneer in facilitating lease transfers online. More specifically Swapalease.com matches individuals who want to get out of their lease with people who are looking for short-term lease agreements. Prospective buyers can search the listings for the exact vehicle they want, and then register for a nominal fee, allowing them to use Swapalease.com’s safe online system to contact the prospective seller and close the deal. For more information about Swapalease.com or how to exit your lease early, call 866-SWAPNOW or visit <a title="www.swapalease.com" style="color: #0094b3; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=PjFjCwfSnkh9cEwN_oqWJgHTwFljdFxobdqMqACg-LJ_yj5nfQ5Jshm_a9wGP_LRyqJpa70mPGxxCFUsTpfoNsD0RCqG5cHnkniy7IBENFc=" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.swapalease.com</a>.</p>Making a Better Mousetrap: Leverage Consumer Behavior to Increase Conversionstag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-20:1970539:BlogPost:6565212018-02-20T14:48:07.000ZSteve Whitehttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/SteveWhite
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0T6INCzT27GRL9wN3jGvrdORGX3DBO3dOAWkNAAEmY6t7A1MdBiiOvAnX*DcEtbmgWQ60CQdPI4MEG84OmDYg4gSLBWZwj*D/2cv1image.jpeg" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0T6INCzT27GRL9wN3jGvrdORGX3DBO3dOAWkNAAEmY6t7A1MdBiiOvAnX*DcEtbmgWQ60CQdPI4MEG84OmDYg4gSLBWZwj*D/2cv1image.jpeg?width=380" width="380"></img></a> As I have mentioned in past blogs, few customers complete lead forms, making it very difficult for dealers to track the source of their sales. Without this information, it’s virtually impossible to make educated decisions about how to spend your marketing dollars. It’s time to build a better mousetrap so that…</p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0T6INCzT27GRL9wN3jGvrdORGX3DBO3dOAWkNAAEmY6t7A1MdBiiOvAnX*DcEtbmgWQ60CQdPI4MEG84OmDYg4gSLBWZwj*D/2cv1image.jpeg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0T6INCzT27GRL9wN3jGvrdORGX3DBO3dOAWkNAAEmY6t7A1MdBiiOvAnX*DcEtbmgWQ60CQdPI4MEG84OmDYg4gSLBWZwj*D/2cv1image.jpeg?width=380" width="380" class="align-right"/></a>As I have mentioned in past blogs, few customers complete lead forms, making it very difficult for dealers to track the source of their sales. Without this information, it’s virtually impossible to make educated decisions about how to spend your marketing dollars. It’s time to build a better mousetrap so that dealers get insight into the behavior of online shoppers, even those who never fill out a lead form, ultimately increasing conversions.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The first thing we need to know to build a better solution is why consumers aren’t filling out lead forms. I think some of the reasons include:</p>
<p> </p>
<p>1) Information Availability – There is more information available online than ever before. Consumers can gather this information 24 hours a day and obtain instant results. They don’t need to fill out a form and wait for a response to get what they need when most of it is at their fingertips.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>2) Trust factor - This information is not only convenient, but they also trust that it’s accurate. Frequently, consumers report that a dealer they contacted online is unresponsive, doesn’t answer their questions, or simply invites them for a test drive without helping them first.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>3) Time investment – In general, consumers don’t like the traditional car buying process. The perception is that buying a car is an all-day task and they simply don’t have the time to invest. Filling out a lead form, in their mind, is the first step of a time-consuming process they may not be ready to start.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Obviously, if you can increase the number of lead-form submissions, you would have access to more accurate information about your consumer’s behavior. Today it’s crucial to know which sites influence the consumers’ decisions and which ones don’t. Knowing the answer to that question can easily give your dealership a competitive digital advantage.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But while there are lots of tools on the market today that give you access to some of this data, not many can help you fill in the activity of those anonymous buyers. If you’re only relying on the straight line between a click and a conversion for someone that filled out a lead form, there’s no way to know what’s really influencing consumers and producing ROI. You need to know all the influencers for all your customers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You can’t build a better mousetrap if you don’t know how that mouse will react to different stimuli -- a little cheese here and a little cheese there can easily motivate the mouse to follow the path that you want it to.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Without taking all the mouse’s behavior into account, however, you’ll never know which things are moving it closer to the desired destination and which are moving it farther away. Remove cheese at this place and perhaps the mouse takes a different path… put some cheese in this spot and perhaps they make a beeline to the destination.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Don’t make your marketing decisions solely based on where the mouse was when he ate the cheese. Rather, figure out what led the mouse from the entrance to that point.</p>Don’t Forget Mr. & Mrs. Cellophane!tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-20:1970539:BlogPost:6567052018-02-20T14:30:00.000ZMike Gorunhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/MikeGorun925
<p><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/don-t-forget-mr-amp-mrs-cellophane" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Qd9Gj*5QBYDmgfPz8-AYaDWmHULNIp3n*CkQxcp27lqr*dSBC7U2AV6*hmb1Goem8HfiSCzN7RnCU-pJ6zSAlwKzS7FiaXJn/plgimage.jpeg?width=750" width="750"></img></a> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>People are motivated by many different things. Some by money. Some by time off. But one of the most universal ways to motivate an employee is by recognition.</strong></span> <br></br>For the most part that recognition comes from external sources; perhaps a customer compliments the employee either in person or via…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/don-t-forget-mr-amp-mrs-cellophane" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Qd9Gj*5QBYDmgfPz8-AYaDWmHULNIp3n*CkQxcp27lqr*dSBC7U2AV6*hmb1Goem8HfiSCzN7RnCU-pJ6zSAlwKzS7FiaXJn/plgimage.jpeg?width=750" class="align-full" width="750"/></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>People are motivated by many different things. Some by money. Some by time off. But one of the most universal ways to motivate an employee is by recognition.</strong></span> <br/>For the most part that recognition comes from external sources; perhaps a customer compliments the employee either in person or via an online forum – then management reacts and shares that feedback with the employee and, perhaps, with the dealership’s staff.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>But what about that employee customers never directly interact with?</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>In the musical Chicago, the husband of the lead actress sings about how nobody ever notices that he exists:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em>“Cellophane, Mister Cellophane. Should have been my name, Mister Cellophane. ‘Cause you can look right through me, walk right by me and never know I’m there.”</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Every dealership loves receiving perfect CSI surveys from customers.</strong></span> <br/>It helps financially in many ways. But, in most cases, the person receiving accolades is the salesperson. I am not saying that they shouldn’t, as the salesperson certainly has a large role in the dealership.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The point I am making here is that there are many cogs in the wheel that created that perfect survey/experience for the customer.</strong> From the service technician that did the pre-delivery inspection on the vehicle, to the finance manager that handled the paperwork, to the porter that detailed the vehicle and, in some cases, to the person that went over the vehicle at delivery with the customer – all of them contributed to that perfect survey and that specific customer’s great experience.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>A recent Disney Institute <a href="https://disneyinstitute.com/blog/2018/02/are-you-recognizing-those-who-work-behind-the-scenes/?CMP=SOC-DI-Blog-RecognizingBehindTheScenesEmployees-02.13.2018">blog</a> by Senior Programming Director, Bruce Jones, stresses the importance of employee recognition.</strong> He states that employees working after hours, or with limited guest experience, are just as important in the process and experience as front-line employees with direct customer interaction. They should also be rewarded and recognized.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Employee engagement is an important part of company culture.</strong></span> <br/>Without buy-in and a coordinated effort from all the cogs in the customer experience wheel, that salesperson could do a perfect job yet receive a bad CSI survey simply because a porter failed to clean the car properly, or a technician forgot to remove some plastic protective wrap.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Company culture and employee engagement extend to every person in the organization.</strong> While those on the front-lines may get DIRECT recognition from customers, the behind-the-scenes employees, with little to no direct customer contact, tend to be forgotten. And that can be the easiest differentiator between a perfect survey and one that is not.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Jones references a quote from a <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamcraig/2017/07/17/3-reasons-why-employee-recognition-will-always-matter/#7eed0c1163c9">Forbes article</a> which inspired his blog, “employee recognition knows no calendar.” He went on to add that it “also knows no timeclock.”</strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Employee recognition reinforces desired behavior, acknowledges employees when they do a great job and leads to consistency in desired behavior. Don’t let your employees’ gas tanks get low because you failed to fuel them with recognition.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>It’s an easy oversight to make – even if not intentionally.</strong> Just as a sales manager might high-five a salesperson who closed a deal, or a finance manager that sold product in F&amp;I, the porter who spent some extra time making the new vehicle ready for presentation to the customer should also be recognized for their hard work.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Recognize everyone in the process that led to a great customer experience and you should find a more consistent – and rewarding – result for both the dealership and the customer.</strong></span></p>‘Customer Satisfaction Surveys Are Dead’tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-20:1970539:BlogPost:6566372018-02-20T13:45:56.000ZCPI Resultshttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/CenterforPerformanceImproveme
<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-7661a0623780a017aa52"><div class="sqs-block-content"><h2><strong>The District Manager has just left the GM’s office.…</strong></h2>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/aEMXO2lhSShxzgK-nZeUhhVVefAtsYV2zZJD6j3BlGCwYmCtOvwzxMvXSeHYNxyedz68lj*EYi4z7jDGa7Y8nxyyhdFN3LXh/CustomerSatisfactionSurveysAreDead.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/aEMXO2lhSShxzgK-nZeUhhVVefAtsYV2zZJD6j3BlGCwYmCtOvwzxMvXSeHYNxyedz68lj*EYi4z7jDGa7Y8nxyyhdFN3LXh/CustomerSatisfactionSurveysAreDead.jpg?width=450" width="450"></img></a></p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-7661a0623780a017aa52"><div class="sqs-block-content"><h2><strong>The District Manager has just left the GM’s office.</strong></h2>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/aEMXO2lhSShxzgK-nZeUhhVVefAtsYV2zZJD6j3BlGCwYmCtOvwzxMvXSeHYNxyedz68lj*EYi4z7jDGa7Y8nxyyhdFN3LXh/CustomerSatisfactionSurveysAreDead.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/aEMXO2lhSShxzgK-nZeUhhVVefAtsYV2zZJD6j3BlGCwYmCtOvwzxMvXSeHYNxyedz68lj*EYi4z7jDGa7Y8nxyyhdFN3LXh/CustomerSatisfactionSurveysAreDead.jpg?width=450" width="450" class="align-right"/></a></p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_7_1519133203714_4719"><div class="sqs-block-content"><p>He calls a meeting for his management team and gives them the breaking news: “Customer Satisfaction Surveys are dead!” The OEM has decided to stop using customer surveys as the top metric of a dealership’s success. Everyone is high-fiving and celebrating, ecstatic at the news. </p>
<h2><strong>It was the best dream you’ve ever had about work. </strong></h2>
<p>Unfortunately, CSI surveys don’t seem to be going the way of the dodo bird anytime soon. The stats bring into question their validity, however. Consider this:</p>
<p>• The response rate for customer satisfaction surveys is commonly between 2 and 12 percent. </p>
<p>• Nine percent of dissatisfied customers won’t complain regardless of how unhappy they are. </p>
<p>• For every complaint you receive, there are 26 other customers who are similarly unhappy.</p>
<p>• 91 percent of dissatisfied customers will instead find another service provider for their next visit. </p>
<p>• Unhappy customers tell 16 people of their bad experience. </p>
<p>• Happy customers, on the other hand, tell just nine people about how great their experience was.</p>
<p>From these statistics, we can deduce two things. First, dissatisfied customers seldom tell YOU that they are unhappy, even in a CSI survey. Second, satisfied clients respond even less frequently. <br/>Customer satisfaction surveys don’t tell the whole story. An extremely high percentage of surveys that are sent out are never returned – emailed surveys are only marginally better than paper surveys. With such a small segment of surveys that are actually received, it’s just not an accurate representation of a dealership’s success rate. </p>
<p>Until there is a different metric to replace CSI surveys, it’s necessary to use their data for at least some sort of reflection on the dealership’s performance. </p>
<h2><strong>What Should You Do About Surveys?</strong></h2>
<p>Until the Customer Satisfaction Survey has been declared dead, you’ll need to make the best of the situation. Remind each customer that they may be receiving a survey and that their response is important to helping you provide the best dealership experience. That goes for OEMs and dealers alike. And when a customer responds to a survey, thank them! A quick phone call or email to acknowledge their survey response goes a long way to ensuring future surveys are returned. <br/> <br/><a target="_blank" href="https://www.groovehq.com/support/customer-support-statistics" rel="noopener">https://www.groovehq.com/support/customer-support-statistics</a></p>
<p><em>The documents posted on this Website contain external links or pointers to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links and pointers are provided for the user’s convenience. Center for Performance Improvement does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of this outside information. The inclusion of links or pointers to particular items is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended as an endorsement by or for the Center for Performance Improvement. </em></p>
<p><em>See the original article on <a href="https://www.centerforperformanceimprovement.com/blog/2018/2/20/customer-satisfaction-surveys-are-dead" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Center for Performance Improvement</a></em></p>
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</div>Round Robin vs Lead Grabber - FAIR Does Not Mean BESTtag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-20:1970539:BlogPost:6567112018-02-20T00:57:18.000ZVidushi Jainhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/VidushiJain
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ybO4PowyDy1YGf*ydd9o6kH18A16-wOrPZAb6xjNVAdgmuaGruzFP2ZofKNmqbLCZ3C74SmpV3BWAAtU1KZL6y3BvkA1lm3o/jump1822412_1920.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ybO4PowyDy1YGf*ydd9o6kH18A16-wOrPZAb6xjNVAdgmuaGruzFP2ZofKNmqbLCZ3C74SmpV3BWAAtU1KZL6y3BvkA1lm3o/jump1822412_1920.jpg?width=750" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>Round Robin is one of the most common way leads are assigned to sales reps. And there are strong arguments like fair and equal distribution in favor of round robin. However FAIR does not essentially mean the BEST as</p>
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<li>The odds of qualifying a lead drop 21 times if called in 30 minutes vs 5…</li>
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<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ybO4PowyDy1YGf*ydd9o6kH18A16-wOrPZAb6xjNVAdgmuaGruzFP2ZofKNmqbLCZ3C74SmpV3BWAAtU1KZL6y3BvkA1lm3o/jump1822412_1920.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ybO4PowyDy1YGf*ydd9o6kH18A16-wOrPZAb6xjNVAdgmuaGruzFP2ZofKNmqbLCZ3C74SmpV3BWAAtU1KZL6y3BvkA1lm3o/jump1822412_1920.jpg?width=750" class="align-center" width="750"/></a></p>
<p>Round Robin is one of the most common way leads are assigned to sales reps. And there are strong arguments like fair and equal distribution in favor of round robin. However FAIR does not essentially mean the BEST as</p>
<ul>
<li>The odds of qualifying a lead drop 21 times if called in 30 minutes vs 5 minutes.<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li>Round robin adds latency: A sales rep might not be available when a lead is assigned</li>
<li>Reps have no incentive to reply back quickly in minutes vs hours</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Minimum oversight over lead handling, leading to cherry picking and not serving all leads</li>
</ul>
<p>In this blog, I am comparing two of the many assignment modes that Braango offers: Round Robin and Lead Grabber mode.</p>
<p><strong>What Are Round Robin And Lead Grabber Modes?</strong></p>
<p> In Round Robin mode, all sales reps are assigned leads in a rotational order. It is like distributing cookie to kids in a line, one at a time, and when the line is over you again start from the front. On the other hand, in Lead Grabber mode, a lead is broadcasted to all sales rep and the one who grabs/responds to the lead first gets it. One can relate it with Jeopardy! Buzzer, you get to answer if you press the buzzer first.</p>
<p><strong>Round Robin Adds Latency</strong></p>
<p>The odds of qualifying a lead drop 21 times if called in 30 minutes vs 5 minutes. Auto-assignment of leads in Round Robin adds latency as a sales rep might not be available when the lead is assigned. On the other hand, with lead grabber, lead is grabbed by a lead who is available to take the call or reply back to customer reducing latency to Zero.</p>
<p><strong>No Incentive To Respond Fast With Round Robin</strong></p>
<p>Given a lead is already assigned to the rep, he has no incentive to reply quickly. Whereas, Lead Grabber creates competition. Sales reps who don’t act fast will not get the lead, creating an incentive to reply quickly to a lead.</p>
<p><strong>No Cherry Picking With Lead Grabber</strong></p>
<p>In some cases, sales reps cherry pick and contact only a few leads assigned to them. With Lead Grabber, if a sales rep does not respond to leads quickly, the rep will not get leads, in turn lowering rep’s lead grabbed and served matrix which managers can easily monitor. Thus, lead grabber creates internal competition between reps to grab and serve more leads.</p>
<p>Would to hear what you would prefer at your dealership. Please comment with your preferred mode and why.</p>"Sell a lot of Product. And Make a lot of People Happy"tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-19:1970539:BlogPost:6566292018-02-19T19:30:00.000ZCPI Resultshttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/CenterforPerformanceImproveme
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<div class="image-block-wrapper has-aspect-ratio"><h2><strong>"You Will Be Satisfied."</strong></h2>
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<div class="image-block-wrapper has-aspect-ratio"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>This is the credo that governs the Tasca family dealerships in New England, that achieve success by consistently satisfying customers.</strong></span></div>
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<p>Early in his career, founder Bob Tasca, Sr. learned that satisfying customers is key when he went out of his way to assist a customer he had never seen before. When a man drove in with an overheated car on a Saturday afternoon, needing it fixed immediately,</p>
<p>Tasca decided to loan him his own car instead and deliver the repaired car to him the next day. The customer turned out to be Ernest Breech, Ford Motor Company's chairman, who was so impressed with Tasca’s service that he arranged for Tasca to meet Henry Ford II.<br/> </p>
<h2><strong>The Rest is History</strong></h2>
<p>His acclaimed 1996 book, <strong>“</strong><a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.com/You-Will-Satisfied-Customers-Competitors/dp/0887307981/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=3CD91ADH2X2KGGGR18RH" rel="noopener"><strong>You Will Be Satisfied</strong></a><strong>”</strong> has been hailed as one of the most valuable guides for managers and entrepreneurs. He comprised a long list of fundamental principles and commandments that together help establish the sales figures other dealers seek to emulate (he sold more than 5,000 new and used cars a year, generating $130 million). This includes what he describes as:</p>
<h2><strong>Bob Tasca's Seven Standards of Service</strong></h2>
<p>1. Service appointment available within one day of customer’s requested service day.</p>
<p>2. Write-up begins within four minutes of arrival.</p>
<p>3. Service needs courteously identified, accurately recorded on Repair Order, verified with the customer.</p>
<p>4. Product serviced right on the first visit.</p>
<p>5. Service status provided within one minute of inquiry.</p>
<p>6. The product is ready at the agreed-on time.</p>
<p>7. A thorough explanation of work done, coverage and charges.</p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bob Tasca went on to play a major role in bringing Ford Motor Company back from the depths of despair in the early 1980s. At the time, foreign car sales were eclipsing Ford’s, prompting Tasca to suggest to Red Poling, Ford’s executive vice president, that Ford’s number-one priority should be quality.</span></p>
<h2><strong>The result was “Quality is Job One”, the advertising campaign Tasca helped inspire, which was backed by the company’s dedication to begin building best-in-class cars.</strong></h2>
<p>When asked why customer satisfaction is his watchword, Tasca had a logical answer: “It costs me $184 to bring a customer in the door, but if I can repeat the same customer it’s free, isn’t it?” Tasca said that 97 percent of his customers return to his dealership. The fact that only 65 percent actually buy again signifies that “more people like Tasca than the product we sell.”</p>
<p>While customer satisfaction is crucial to success, it is far from the only strategy Tasca used to successfully sell vehicles. <br/> <br/> He was instrumental in the development of the two-year Red Carpet leasing plan and pioneered much of its early success. </p>
<p><strong>He also became internationally known as a designer of high-performance cars</strong>, carried on today by Tasca Racing and his grandson, Bob Tasca III.</p>
<p>Bob Tasca Sr. believed businesses should concentrate on the top line. “The biggest problem with most businesses is they plan the bottom line,” he says. “I prefer to plan the top line — sell a lot of product and make a lot of people happy.</p>
<h2><strong><em>"When a customer comes in with a problem, the easiest thing to do is say no. It costs money to say yes,”</em></strong> Tasca said. <strong><em>“But when you say yes, a lot of things happen. You make customers for life.”</em></strong></h2>
<p>Bob Tasca Sr. passed away in 2010 and left behind a legacy. Today it is carried on by his family, who continue to grow the retail business.</p>
<p>“Bob Tasca Sr. had three important aspects to his life — his family, his friends, and Ford Motor Company,” said his grandson, Bob Tasca III.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.tasca.com/tasca-family-commitment.htm" rel="noopener">http://www.tasca.com/tasca-family-commitment.htm</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://tascaracing.com/" rel="noopener">http://tascaracing.com/</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>The documents posted on this Website contain external links or pointers to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links and pointers are provided for the user’s convenience. Center for Performance Improvement does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of this outside information. The inclusion of links or pointers to particular items is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended as an endorsement by or for the Center for Performance Improvement.</em></span></p>
<p><strong>See the original article posted on <a href="https://www.centerforperformanceimprovement.com/blog/2017/6/2/bob-tasca-the-7-standards-of-service" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Center for Performance Improvement</a></strong></p>
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</div>Pirelli Develops New Tire Specific To New McLaren Sports Cartag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-19:1970539:BlogPost:6565222018-02-19T19:00:00.000ZRalph Pagliahttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/RalphPaglia
<p><strong><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/pirelli-develops-new-tire-specific-to-new-mclaren-sports-car" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Qd9Gj*5QBYBDVqlDJBPNq*DZlPH5uegdh8tQUO5JjcHLHamOfA4cIX68j0pB8hoMR9xdXrb3OKG31faJGKmlVJc1fT3ItSQx/PirelliPowerControl.jpg?width=750" width="750"></img></a> <span style="font-size: 12pt;">PIRELLI P-ZERO AND MCLAREN SENNA: <br></br><span style="font-size: 14pt;">A SHARED JOURNEY FROM TRACK TO ROAD</span></span></strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><em>Milan</em> – Pirelli and McLaren have started a new chapter in their long-standing technical partnership, which will…</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/pirelli-develops-new-tire-specific-to-new-mclaren-sports-car" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Qd9Gj*5QBYBDVqlDJBPNq*DZlPH5uegdh8tQUO5JjcHLHamOfA4cIX68j0pB8hoMR9xdXrb3OKG31faJGKmlVJc1fT3ItSQx/PirelliPowerControl.jpg?width=750" class="align-full" width="750"/></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">PIRELLI P-ZERO AND MCLAREN SENNA: <br/><span style="font-size: 14pt;">A SHARED JOURNEY FROM TRACK TO ROAD</span></span></strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><em>Milan</em> – Pirelli and McLaren have started a new chapter in their long-standing technical partnership, which will be one of the most challenging in history. Namely, Pirelli has developed tires to guarantee the very highest performance levels on and off track for the new McLaren Senna, a special car with unique characteristics.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The new tires that will equip the British hypercar are extreme versions of both the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo and P Zero tires.</strong> The P Zero Trofeo tire developed for the Senna, while conceived as a track tire, can also be used for the road. In the same way, the P Zero tire – by nature more of a road tire – is additionally suitable for use on the track.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>To come up with the best quality product, Pirelli’s engineers relied on an extensive shared history with McLaren – especially its tire development for the P1 – and most importantly, lessons learned from motorsport.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The McLaren Senna is an explicit sports car, reminiscent of a GT3 machine for the road.</strong> This is thanks to massive power (800 horsepower), an extremely light carbon fiber chassis, a sophisticated race-derived suspension system and cutting-edge aerodynamics.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>These headlining characteristics required made-to-measure tires capable of withstanding extreme acceleration and aerodynamic loads.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Pirelli paid particular attention to materials to reach the targeted objectives, choosing those most suited to state-of-the-art performance, with light weight and optimal design ensuring perfect reliability and strategic durability.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>All of these elements combined guarantees perfect balance and roadholding, with precise turn-in, impressive stability and maximum traction under all driving conditions, as well as reduced braking distances.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>In particular, the innovative tire design with its asymmetric profiles and sidewalls delivers optimal lateral grip and maximizes the interaction between front and rear axles.</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>For further information please contact:</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Pirelli Communications and Media Relations – NAFTA Region:</em></p>
<p><em>Brooklyn Trammel</em> <em>•</em> <em><a>1 212 497 8823</a></em> <em>•</em> <span><a href="mailto:brooklyn.trammel@pirelli.com"><em>brooklyn.trammel@pirelli.com</em></a></span></p>
<p><em>Sophie Coleman</em> <em>•</em> <em><a>1 347 280 5440</a></em> <em>•</em> <span><a href="mailto:sophie.coleman.ex@pirelli.com"><em>sophie.coleman.ex@pirelli.com</em></a></span><em> </em></p>Fort Bend Kia Adds More Than $416,000 to its Bottom Line with Affinitiv’s Social Roots™ 1:1 Facebook Campaignstag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-19:1970539:BlogPost:6566222018-02-19T14:30:00.000ZScot Eisenfelderhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/ScotEisenfelder
<p><strong><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/fort-bend-kia-adds-more-than-416-000-to-its-bottom-line-with" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/aDayzay1tIElrwLXv7*a5PZCaiMHO4nyGIRBr5gOjwgwaPoWWUATh59txOe9UHLs4ZYTzx5kn*jNf8DDUuFZEuiK9dEGTbt1/FortBendKia.jpg?width=750" width="750"></img></a> Chicago, IL—Feb 19, 2018—</strong>In 2017, Fort Bend Kia added more than $416,000 to its bottom line with Affinitiv’s Social Roots <sup>TM</sup> 1:1 Facebook campaigns. <a href="https://www.affinitiv.com/service/social-media/">Social Roots 1:1</a> is a unique digital advertising solution that leverages DMS data…</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/fort-bend-kia-adds-more-than-416-000-to-its-bottom-line-with" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/aDayzay1tIElrwLXv7*a5PZCaiMHO4nyGIRBr5gOjwgwaPoWWUATh59txOe9UHLs4ZYTzx5kn*jNf8DDUuFZEuiK9dEGTbt1/FortBendKia.jpg?width=750" class="align-full" width="750"/></a>Chicago, IL—Feb 19, 2018—</strong>In 2017, Fort Bend Kia added more than $416,000 to its bottom line with Affinitiv’s Social Roots <sup>TM</sup> 1:1 Facebook campaigns. <a href="https://www.affinitiv.com/service/social-media/">Social Roots 1:1</a> is a unique digital advertising solution that leverages DMS data and trigger-based algorithms to drop targeted sales and service messages right into Facebook newsfeeds.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Last year, Fort Bend Kia generated $109,240 in sales revenue and $146,950 in service revenue from its Facebook ad campaigns.</strong> Since starting with Social Roots, Fort Bend Kia has also reduced its annual advertising expenses by more than $160,000.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“From a marketing standpoint it’s the most effective, least expensive thing we do,” said Virgil Skinner, Owner/Principal of Fort Bend Kia. “The other thing I like is that it doesn’t require a lot of time or involvement on my part.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Rosenberg, TX is a small town about 35 miles southwest of Houston. Six years ago, Virgil Skinner opened Fort Bend Kia here with a mission to bring a luxury car-buying experience to a mass market store. Skinner’s primary marketing challenge is to convince car shoppers in the nearby Richmond and Sugar Land suburbs to drive south to his store. “Most of the people I want to attract drive north into Houston to work, shop and play, so it’s tough,” said Skinner.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Until two years ago, Skinner’s marketing strategy consisted of cable television spots, direct mail, email marketing, ads in civic association newsletters and ads in local HOA magazines.</strong> “We had a Facebook page at the time but I didn’t have anyone talented enough to use it for direct and targeted marketing,” said Skinner. “It was mostly me posting photos of customers buying cars and photos from local events we sponsor.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Skinner was always frustrated with his advertising’s ROI.</strong> “One problem with this area is that the cable company only had 40 percent of the market, while the other 60 percent is split between various dish providers. And, trying to reach Houston through broadcast TV is too expensive,” he said. “Untargeted direct mail was bad. Every time I sent something out, half of the pieces came back. As much as I try, it’s almost impossible to get the service advisors to update customers’ physical addresses.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Two years ago Skinner contacted <a href="https://www.affinitiv.com/">Affinitiv</a>, a leading marketing technology company.</strong> Affinitiv’s Social Roots product uses predictive analytics to drop highly targeted offers into Facebook newsfeeds.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Social Roots 1:1 campaigns leverage DMS customer data and trigger-based algorithms to generate a variety of messages and offers.</strong> In service these include service reminders, past due service reminders and second overdue service reminders. In sales, offers are created for customers with leases about to expire, and messages are sent for after-purchase check ins, and six-month sales follow up to ask for referrals.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>In addition to the 1:1 campaigns, Affinitiv runs a custom sales campaign for Fort Bend Kia every month.</strong> These typically promote leasing offers or offers from whatever national campaign that Kia is currently running. Custom sales ads are created for three separate audiences: Fort Bend Kia’s current customers, in-market Kia shoppers within a 50-mile radius of the store, and a lookalike audience of in-market shoppers. Each list excludes contacts on the others, so there’s no overlap with advertising.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“I quickly realized we were reaching a lot more people on Facebook than any other media we use, so it wasn’t long before I quit doing television and untargeted direct mail altogether,” said Skinner. This allowed him to cut his annual cable budget of $128,000 and direct mail budget of around $60,000. Fort Bend Kia spends $20,000 to $30,000 annually for Social Roots 1:1, resulting in a total advertising expense reduction of more than $160,000.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The most successful campaign in 2017 was a SUV Clearance initiative that Kia ran in July and August.</strong> The campaign generated 2,603 clicks, 17 sales and service conversions, and $49,572 in revenue.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>In addition to revenue, Social Roots 1:1 delivers other results that Skinner finds valuable.</strong> “We quickly became one of the most Liked Facebook pages on the freeway, we have the highest dealer rating of any dealer on the freeway, and the highest Facebook and Google ratings of any Kia dealer in the Houston metro area,” he said. “All of our reviews are absolutely unsolicited and unpaid for. I have a strong policy here, I don’t pay a single customer for a review.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>However, Skinner can’t give all the credit for his ratings to Social Roots 1:1. “The marketing gets them in here, then it’s up to us to close them. Our goal is to treat every client like family.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For a Social Roots demo or more information about Affinitiv, visit <strong>Booth #3174C</strong> at the NADA Convention &amp; Expo in Las Vegas, or visit: <a href="http://www.affinitiv.com">www.affinitiv.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.affinitiv.com/#AboutUs">About Affinitiv:</a></p>
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<p>Affinitiv is a leading marketing technology company serving automotive manufacturers (OEMs), dealership groups, and individual dealers. Affinitiv’s Connectiv1 Platform is designed to provide a 360° view of customer, vehicle, dealership and marketing campaign effectiveness all in one place. Connectiv1's advanced predictive analytics engine makes it easy for auto dealerships to leverage data and target customers with the right message at the right time on the right communications channel.</p>
<p>Affinitiv enables dealerships to produce, manage, measure and optimize omni-channel communications to drive brand loyalty and increase revenue. Affinitiv’s digital and analytic capabilities support a consistent customer experience through the entire ownership lifecycle. Affinitiv was formed in 2016 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL.</p>Expand Your Digital Service Marketing Strategytag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-19:1970539:BlogPost:6565192018-02-19T14:30:00.000ZScot Eisenfelderhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/ScotEisenfelder
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0wfWwds*F9YfeX2wpOO*cOqwipaNCGD4XYcXTbPbPsm42oxAaYlkp9MDyun30nySR-ap-k0HVi3fAQwZAXyRvJqTpfzv7xG5/2af3image.jpeg" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0wfWwds*F9YfeX2wpOO*cOqwipaNCGD4XYcXTbPbPsm42oxAaYlkp9MDyun30nySR-ap-k0HVi3fAQwZAXyRvJqTpfzv7xG5/2af3image.jpeg?width=380" width="380"></img></a> When a person wants to buy a vehicle, a dealership is the first place they think of. When a person needs to get their vehicle serviced, a dealership is not necessarily the first place they think of. For service, there’s plenty of choices and competition for dealers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>That’s why service marketing is…</p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0wfWwds*F9YfeX2wpOO*cOqwipaNCGD4XYcXTbPbPsm42oxAaYlkp9MDyun30nySR-ap-k0HVi3fAQwZAXyRvJqTpfzv7xG5/2af3image.jpeg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/0wfWwds*F9YfeX2wpOO*cOqwipaNCGD4XYcXTbPbPsm42oxAaYlkp9MDyun30nySR-ap-k0HVi3fAQwZAXyRvJqTpfzv7xG5/2af3image.jpeg?width=380" width="380" class="align-right"/></a>When a person wants to buy a vehicle, a dealership is the first place they think of. When a person needs to get their vehicle serviced, a dealership is not necessarily the first place they think of. For service, there’s plenty of choices and competition for dealers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>That’s why service marketing is more important than ever. Historically in dealerships, service marketing has taken a back seat to sales marketing. According to NADA, fixed ops is responsible for 47 percent of a dealer’s gross profits. Yet service marketing is less than 10 percent of the average marketing budget for many dealers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>However, I do see this changing. Service marketing is currently going through a transition that reminds me of what was happening on the sales side back in 2005 and 2006. If you recall, it was during that time frame that many dealers adopted digital sales marketing strategies.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The transition was not always smooth. In the beginning, both dealers and marketing companies spent a lot of time and money on strategies and search terms that didn’t produce results. It took several years, and plenty of trial and error, before consensus was reached on what works. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>For service marketing, dealers have long relied on direct mail and email marketing as two primary channels to draw customers in. Both of these channels have their place, but if that’s all you do, your reach is limited. Consider expanding your service marketing repertoire. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>The good news is, you won’t have to repeat the same mistakes that were made in 2005 and 2006. Digital marketing attribution has come a long way since then, and fortunately we already know what works.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For service marketing, the more personalized the message, the better. The following digital channels are ideal for sending out targeted campaigns:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>1) Search Engine Marketing (SEM)</strong></p>
<p>Search can be very cost effective for service because consumers search using very specific terms. On the sales side, a customer may use terms like “Ford Focus” that are very broad. With service however, longer search terms come into play such as “brake pads Ford Focus near me.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Try pairing services, parts and accessories with your brand makes and models. Target customers within a 15 to 20 miles radius. Identify the search terms that perform well and review them on a regular basis, as there is likely to be seasonal fluctuation.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>2) Display Ads</strong></p>
<p>Display ads can be generated based on the same search terms and location criteria as you use for SEM. Additionally, you can factor in demographics information such as age and income.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Retargeting is an effective strategy for people who have visited your dealership’s website service page, and for your customers who are due for service.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>3) Social Media</strong></p>
<p>Thanks to big data, predictive analytics and automated marketing, Facebook is incredibly effective at generating service leads. However, posting generic promotional messages on your Facebook page won’t cut it. Consumers don’t respond to messages that are irrelevant to them, regardless of where those messages appear.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Use Facebook to create service offers that are highly relevant. Facebook has access to Oracle/Polk data, which means you can target people who own a certain make/model based on when they registered their vehicle. Try creating offers for OEM recommended services at certain mileage intervals.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Facebook tracks virtually everything its users do. When a Facebook user visits a Discount Tire website, Facebook knows that person may be in the market for new tires. Take advantage of this information to serve up a tire ad, as well as other ads for service keywords.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Who to Target</strong></p>
<p>The primary goal of service marketing is to retain your new vehicle sales customers through the ownership lifecycle. Your secondary goal is to reach new customers that have never visited your store.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Facebook and Google properties allow you to serve up ads to existing customers in your DMS. They also have tools that can be used to create look alike audiences within a defined radius of your store.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Another source of new prospects is in your CRM. Most dealers close about 50 percent of their new vehicle lead prospects. What about the other 50 percent? Many of them may have purchased from another dealership.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>They gave you a shot at the sale, so maybe they’ll give you a shot at the service.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Try creating an unsold report of all the customers you didn’t close in the last six months, and create campaigns designed to re-connect and bring them in for service.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Service marketing can be highly effective for generating service appointments. But it requires moving beyond direct mail and oil-change coupons to an omni-channel approach using personalized and highly relevant offers.</p>ELEAD1ONE Introduces DealBuilder Digital Retailing Solution for Auto Dealerstag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-19:1970539:BlogPost:6564642018-02-19T14:24:42.000ZBill Wittenmyerhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/BillWittenmyer
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Game-changing application is designed to keep dealerships central to the </em><em>online car-buying process</em></p>
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<p><strong>Atlanta, GA – Feb 19, 2018 –</strong> ELEAD1ONE today introduced <a href="https://www.elead-crm.com/products/dealership-crm-sales-software/car-buying-app-dealbuilder/">DealBuilder</a> for auto dealerships, an online car-buying application that guides customers through the entire vehicle purchase…</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Game-changing application is designed to keep dealerships central to the </em><em>online car-buying process</em></p>
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<p><strong>Atlanta, GA – Feb 19, 2018 –</strong> ELEAD1ONE today introduced <a href="https://www.elead-crm.com/products/dealership-crm-sales-software/car-buying-app-dealbuilder/">DealBuilder</a> for auto dealerships, an online car-buying application that guides customers through the entire vehicle purchase process with the involvement of dealership personnel. DealBuilder can be used either in-store with DealerBuilder Showroom, or on a dealer’s website with DealBuilder Online.</p>
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<p>“Our vision for the future of digital retailing keeps dealerships central to the online car-buying process, unlike third-party solutions that plan to sell partially completed deals as leads to auto dealers,” said Bill Wittenmyer, Partner of ELEAD1ONE. “Although DealBuilder can be used to complete the entire purchase process online, in the near term we think most customers will start their deals online and come into the dealership for test drives and to sign papers.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>DealBuilder is fully integrated into <a href="https://www.elead-crm.com/products/dealership-crm-sales-software/car-dealer-crm/">ELEAD1ONE CRM</a> and can be used on a desktop, mobile tablet or smartphone. The Showroom and Online versions are synchronized so that a customer can start a deal online, save it and come into the store to complete it; or the customer can start a deal in the store, then finalize it from home or work.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>DealBuilder Showroom enables salespeople to be fully mobile while guiding customers through the car-buying process. Salespeople can interact with customers and progress through each step whether they are out on the lot, at home or running errands.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>CRM integration allows salespeople to use DealBuilder on their mobile device to access metrics, view appointments, complete tasks, add notes, manage customer contacts and see who’s “On Point” to take the next up.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Lexus of Wesley Chapel in Wesley Chapel, FL has been testing DealBuilder Showroom for two months. Twenty-one salespeople are using the app on iPads to walk customers through the entire journey from start to finish. They use DealBuilder to show inventory, confirm quotes, communicate with their managers, fill out credit apps and to scan drivers licenses before test drives.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“No matter where the salespeople are on the property they never have to leave the customers’ side. The app shows our customers that we respect their time and the salespeople love it,” said Jordan Johnson, Director of Strategy for Lexus of Wesley Chapel. “DealBuilder empowers our salespeople to do more and is simply the intelligent way to do business in 2018.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>DealBuilder Online is designed for use on a dealership’s website. While viewing inventory, the customer sees the option to “Build Your Own Deal” or “Buy Now.” The customer can save vehicles into a “Virtual Lot” as they continue to browse, and use the application to view side-by-side comparisons.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Custom notifications alert salespeople and managers when a deal is created online and when a customer has questions or progresses to the next step. A built-in chat application instantly connects the customer with a salesperson and can be used for price negotiation or to get help through the process.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>To obtain a remote trade-in evaluation, customers upload vehicle photos and fill out a detailed damage report. A dealership manager evaluates the information and extends an offer that the customer can accept, decline or contact the dealer for more information.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>When using DealBuilder Showroom, salespeople can use a built-in VIN scan to scan the customer’s VIN and fill out a damage report while they’re with the customer at their vehicle. Once the information is posted to the CRM, an instant trade offer pops up on the screen.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>DealBuilder’s built-in <a href="https://www.elead-crm.com/products/dealership-crm-sales-software/car-dealer-desking/">desking tool</a> allows customers to compare payments, change terms and add aftermarket products. Online F&amp;I presentations recommend products and present all necessary disclosures.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>DealBuilder is the only digital retailing solution on the market that calculates accurate payments to the penny, incorporating state and local taxes and fees, as well as the consumer’s credit score into the final price. The ability to offer accurate pricing is pivotal to guide the customer to the final step, which is the retail installment agreement.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Once a customer accepts an offer, DealBuilder encourages them to schedule a test drive at the dealership. Once there, salespeople can use DealBuilder Showroom to map the test route and manage the test drive process. DealBuilder gives turn-by-turn directions so drivers stay on route and the application also tracks distances, route information, braking information and average speed.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Once the test drive is complete, the customer can apply for credit while at the dealership or home. If the credit application is declined, DealBuilder encourages the customer to contact the dealership. If approved, DealBuilder generates a set of documents that the customer can e-sign, or the customer can come into the dealership to sign the final documents.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>“More than 80 percent of car buyers want to complete one or more steps of the vehicle purchase process online,” said Wittenmyer. “DealBuilder allows dealerships to meet customer expectations while retaining control of the entire process.”</p>
<p> </p>
<p>To see a demo of DealBuilder in action, visit Booth # 3760C at the NADA Convention &amp; Expo, March 23-25 in Las Vegas, NV. <a href="https://info.elead-crm.com/nada2018">Make an appointment online</a> or call 855-983-9470.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>For more information visit <a href="http://www.elead-crm.com">http://www.elead-crm.com</a>.</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>About ELEAD1ONE</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>ELEAD1ONE, the benchmark in automotive software, helps dealers bridge the gap between sales, service, and marketing operations. The company’s automotive-only contact center, CRM, and service drive technologies are the foundations of their unique suite of products that drive its clients forward through strategic business advantage. Headquartered in Georgia, ELEAD1ONE has over 1,500 employees nationwide and serves more than 8,000 dealerships across the United States and Canada, including six of the top ten dealer groups.</p>
<p>ELEAD1ONE continues to lead the industry standard by providing insight to the community, identifying trends, and through the continuous development of personalized retail solutions that help dealers operate more profitably. For more information, visit our <a href="http://www.elead-crm.com/">Website</a>, like us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/eleadcrm">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/eleadcrm">YouTube</a>, or follow us on <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/company/elead">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/eleadcrm">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/elead_crm">Instagram</a>.</p>Want to Change the World? Start by Making Your Bedtag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-18:1970539:BlogPost:6564572018-02-18T13:48:35.000ZCPI Resultshttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/CenterforPerformanceImproveme
<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-f558c245c5f4073821be"><div class="sqs-block-content"><h2><strong>If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished that first task of the day.</strong></h2>
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<p>When Adm. William H. McRaven, retired, was…</p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-f558c245c5f4073821be"><div class="sqs-block-content"><h2><strong>If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished that first task of the day.</strong></h2>
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<p>When Adm. William H. McRaven, retired, was stationed in Afghanistan, his days were filled with unpredictability and disarray.</p>
<p>It's something retail managers know well. Yet his situation was far more serious. “We could have soldiers dying and the horror of civilian casualties,” he says.</p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_10_1504463877726_4609"><div class="sqs-block-content"><p>His hedge against the stress of chaos and bloody warfare? Start your day by making your bed.</p>
<h2><strong>"You need an anchor point for your day."</strong></h2>
<p>McRaven was the commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command who organized the raid that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011. </p>
<p>"And sometimes that anchor is as a simple as making your bed,” said McRaven, now the chancellor of the University of Texas and the author of “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life ... and Maybe the World.” </p>
<p>He wrote the book after a video of his 2014 commencement speech went viral. “It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another.”</p>
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<p>"Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that the little things in life matter. If you can't do the little things right, you'll never be able to do the big things right. And if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made — that you made. And a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better." </p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_10_1504463877726_12292"><div class="sqs-block-content"><p>McCraven's 10 lessons also included accepting the help of others, measuring a person by the size of his or her heart, fighting through adversity, not being afraid of failure, and charging into difficult situations head-on.</p>
<p>He also encouraged graduates to "be your very best in the darkest moment" by finding inner strength and to never lose hope or give up. </p>
<p>“When you are facing big tasks in your life, the little details are important,” McCraven says.</p>
<p>It's something we can all relate to!</p>
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<p><em>See the original post on <a href="https://www.centerforperformanceimprovement.com/blog/2017/9/3/want-to-change-the-world-start-by-making-your-bed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Center for Performance Improvement</a></em></p>
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</div>How Galpin Became Legendarytag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-17:1970539:BlogPost:6565112018-02-17T21:00:00.000ZCPI Resultshttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/CenterforPerformanceImproveme
<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-2eb5d68301b4f591103d"><div class="sqs-block-content"><h2><strong><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/how-galpin-became-legendary" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/d7fkTzIHfT*Zso6yquZMFtedDu8z88x-tv489w2Vzkn0v-vzoygGvG3kAjq8UUW18dedXqbBnGccIUzW4amK5FTQmqnELR55/Galpin.png?width=750" width="750"></img></a></strong> <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Bert Boeckmann never intended to be the largest Ford retailer.</span> <br></br>But he found that having well-run sales and fixed operations led to economies of…</strong></span></h2>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-2eb5d68301b4f591103d"><div class="sqs-block-content"><h2><strong><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/how-galpin-became-legendary" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/d7fkTzIHfT*Zso6yquZMFtedDu8z88x-tv489w2Vzkn0v-vzoygGvG3kAjq8UUW18dedXqbBnGccIUzW4amK5FTQmqnELR55/Galpin.png?width=750" class="align-full" width="750"/></a></strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Bert Boeckmann never intended to be the largest Ford retailer.</span> <br/>But he found that having well-run sales and fixed operations led to economies of scale — and pushed growth.</strong></span></h2>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“If I hear somebody use the word “legend,’ I tell them “I’m still breathing’” says Boeckmann. At 86, he’s still working six days a week, as he has since joining Galpin in 1953.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley in Southern California, <strong>Galpin Ford is the world’s largest Ford dealership 27 years running.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/how-galpin-became-legendary" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/4QC9xOMBQLEi0Dh5qwhw9ANNg1UejYWR9pm4nVqQzN6I8jSUQSz0c6KZVnFmlBynew1Dzn*8CZooD3cBx6h3pMvtKMg5HX7J/GalpinbriefSC.jpg" class="align-full" width="740"/></a></strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Galpin Motors is 32nd on <em>Automotive News</em>’ list of the top 150 dealership groups based in the U.S. with 23,664 new vehicles retailed last year and more than $1 billion in revenue.</strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In addition to the original <strong>Galpin Ford</strong> franchise, Galpin has:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Aston Martin</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Honda</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Jaguar</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Kia</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Lincoln</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Lotus</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Mazda</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Subaru</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Volkswagen</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Volvo</strong></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Ford</strong></span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Galpin seemingly does it all...</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">They even offer America’s first full-service, in-dealership restaurant (the Horseless Carriage) as well as a Galpin Starbucks.<br/><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/how-galpin-became-legendary" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/4QC9xOMBQLFBFQtDogmgcXH9W-OwkgpQkldoDE1sBDpfHfpd7zKOKUR7YZHHMZ2to1lmzUBTXk7NmVE6XM8k-Qh65llX*w7G/GalpinMotorsChrome.jpg?width=750" class="align-full" width="750"/></a></span><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">How Did This Dynasty Begin?</span></strong></p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_23_1497882432958_6491"><div class="sqs-block-content"><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Boeckmann stopped by Galpin Motors as a young man in 1953 as a favor to a friend, who had seen an ad soliciting salesmen and asked Boeckmann to keep him company:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>“I said I had no interest. But I went with him. We both ended up working there. He lasted six weeks, and I’ve lasted 63 years.”</em></strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Boeckmann quickly worked his way into management and bought out owner Frank Galpin bit by bit, taking control by 1964. Early on, when the economy was in recession and the dealership was in financial trouble, Boeckmann worked so hard that he didn’t see much of his family.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><em>“That first year I took over we were in a recession and out of trust. I worked all but two days. I’d come in at 8 in the morning and would leave at 8 at night. Later I said: Was I cheating the kids? But I thought it had to be done to save the company.”</em></strong></span></p>
<h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Bert Boeckmann is one of a select group of living legends who came of age just as the U.S. automotive landscape was changing dramatically.</strong></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Import brands were launching their U.S. invasion. Small single-point dealers began giving way to larger multi-franchise groups, and eventually big public companies entered the fray.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Galpin Ford’s size, he says, was a result, rather than a goal, of his effort to run the company smoothly.</strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Their full in-house customizing shop, <strong>Galpin Auto Sports (GAS)</strong>, was featured for three seasons on the television show <strong>“Pimp My Ride,”</strong> and today showcases a museum-quality collection of customized cars.</span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/how-galpin-became-legendary" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/d7fkTzIHfT-cH2vmtzeZTxtD6x-cZdlNNv1iJRmVels4bjuqKX72ncqQOtiwr31Ngh-QFjasHKOJqO0Nnx7iov84bBHdeLNO/GalpinFord.jpeg?width=750" class="align-full" width="750"/></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Although Boeckmann became the owner in 1964, he kept the Galpin name, another modest gesture.</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><em><strong>“For two sound reasons I didn’t change the name,”</strong></em> he says. <em><strong>“I worked hard for the Galpin name so I was proud of it.” <br/> <br/></strong></em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The second reason has to do with spelling and pronunciation: <em><strong>“If I said I was “Boeckmann,’ how would you have looked up my name?”</strong></em></span></li>
</ul>
<h2><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Boeckmann credits Frank Galpin with coining another concept: Galpinization, customizing a stock vehicle. Boeckmann says Frank Galpin gave him the idea more than a half-century ago when customizing a 1953 Ford to look like a Lincoln. Boeckmann invented the name and made a thriving business out of it.</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps most meaningful of all, the Boeckmann family has received — and continues to receive — awards for their community service. They are considered a leader in this area.</span></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Galpin’s Core Values</strong> <strong>are the Pillars that Support their Mission</strong>.</span> <br/><span style="font-size: 12pt;">They form the rock-solid foundation that guides our individual and collective actions. These core values are intertwined so that each supports the other.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Along the way, Boeckmann has built a far-reaching business empire that has included:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Gold and Diamond Mining in Sierra Leone</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Motorhome Sales</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Real Estate and Resort Development</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ranching in California and Oregon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">TV documentaries</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p>
<h2><strong>But it all Comes Back to Galpin in the End.</strong></h2>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">From his glass office above the Ford showroom, <em><strong>“I can see across the street to the other dealership”</strong></em> that sells luxury brands. I can see the activity on the showroom floor. Also, people can see me. If they want to see me, they know they can come up the stairs and I will talk to them.<em><strong>“But I just love the business, love the people.”</strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;">The documents posted on this Website contain external links or pointers to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links and pointers are provided for the user’s convenience. Center for Performance Improvement does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness or completeness of this outside information. The inclusion of links or pointers to particular items is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended as an endorsement by or for the Center for Performance Improvement.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p>See the original article posted on <a href="https://www.centerforperformanceimprovement.com/blog/2017/6/18/how-galpin-became-legendary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Center for Performance Improvement</a></p>
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</div>Learning to Drive: 4 Things Every Parent Should Teach Their Teen About Carstag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-16:1970539:BlogPost:6565042018-02-16T16:35:11.000ZHannah Whittenlyhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/HannahWhittenly
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XOIzSd1ksfKDorr9j8qrcwOe9H0k8tkCAa9SA2wj4IQ7oK6SRg*NDUfEAXxiiyhYP-X*-VWXrpvZZitVHDr06gzM9ffcadgq/LearningtoDrive4ThingsEveryParentShouldTeachTheirTeenAboutCars.jpeg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XOIzSd1ksfKDorr9j8qrcwOe9H0k8tkCAa9SA2wj4IQ7oK6SRg*NDUfEAXxiiyhYP-X*-VWXrpvZZitVHDr06gzM9ffcadgq/LearningtoDrive4ThingsEveryParentShouldTeachTheirTeenAboutCars.jpeg?width=750" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>The thought of your son or daughter suddenly behind the wheel of a car can be scary for some parents. However, it can also be a source of immense pride, and you want to best prepare your teen for the road. You should teach your teen these four things…</p>
<p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XOIzSd1ksfKDorr9j8qrcwOe9H0k8tkCAa9SA2wj4IQ7oK6SRg*NDUfEAXxiiyhYP-X*-VWXrpvZZitVHDr06gzM9ffcadgq/LearningtoDrive4ThingsEveryParentShouldTeachTheirTeenAboutCars.jpeg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/XOIzSd1ksfKDorr9j8qrcwOe9H0k8tkCAa9SA2wj4IQ7oK6SRg*NDUfEAXxiiyhYP-X*-VWXrpvZZitVHDr06gzM9ffcadgq/LearningtoDrive4ThingsEveryParentShouldTeachTheirTeenAboutCars.jpeg?width=750" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p>The thought of your son or daughter suddenly behind the wheel of a car can be scary for some parents. However, it can also be a source of immense pride, and you want to best prepare your teen for the road. You should teach your teen these four things about cars before they leave home.</p>
<h2>Drive Defensively</h2>
<p>Perhaps the most important lesson you need to teach your teen about cars and driving is to drive defensively. Defensive driving will lessen the likelihood of accidents and harm happening to your child. To drive defensively, your teen needs to <a href="https://www.shell.com/business-customers/shell-fuel-cards/health-security-safety-and-the-environment/the-importance-of-defensive-driving.html">learn to anticipate</a> what other drivers will do. He or she cannot just focus on their own driving. They need to be aware of what’s going on around them as well.</p>
<h2>Understand Insurance</h2>
<p>Car insurance is not as complicated as other types of insurance, such as health insurance. However, it does have plenty of different, somewhat confusing terms and limits. For example, one thing you should make clear to your teen is that minimum coverage requirements are often not sufficient protection. Teach them about the differences between comprehensive and collision insurance on their vehicle and why they need to be insured against uninsured drivers.</p>
<h2>Listen to the Vehicle</h2>
<p>Being able to listen to the vehicle to not only detect but understand strange noises is an important skill. Teach your teen that the first step when identifying a strange noise is to find out where it is coming from. If they know the anatomy of a car, they can guess what might be wrong. For example, unusual buzzing or clunking, especially when changing gears, may indicate that the <a href="http://www.gearboxexpress.com.au/services">transmission needs to be repaired or replaced</a>. If your teen is knowledgeable, they can more easily direct their mechanic to the problem and discuss their options.</p>
<h2>Make Basic Repairs</h2>
<p>It is very beneficial if your teen learns how to make basic repairs to a vehicle. It can save them a lot of money in the future. For example, the ability to change a flat tire will prevent them from having to call for help if they get one. It will be a major money saver if they know how to change a cabin air filter as well. If you want to get more advanced, you can even teach them how to change their own oil.</p>
<p>Teaching your teen about cars will save them money and keep them safe. It’s something all good parents should do for their new driver.</p>What is Content Marketing?tag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-16:1970539:BlogPost:6566012018-02-16T15:00:00.000Zsara callahanhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/saracallahan
<p><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/what-is-content-marketing" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/4y8Nho4q8Ugh1Ht4tYv2gPbM5Ad5ACfsXOXu-j5tPx0GsTI1J1F6lT2dL-X*70BXg8Vwjui46LjXZqgfibZqkfmt8tiRc1ap/2cw1image.jpeg?width=750" width="750"></img></a> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Content Marketing has become an Automotive Buzzword Recently</strong></span> <br></br>With developing technology and the Internet taking over our lives, PR and marketing terms constantly develop and shift in meaning. So, I thought a little primer on content marketing might be useful!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The classic definition…</p>
<p><a href="http://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profiles/blogs/what-is-content-marketing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/4y8Nho4q8Ugh1Ht4tYv2gPbM5Ad5ACfsXOXu-j5tPx0GsTI1J1F6lT2dL-X*70BXg8Vwjui46LjXZqgfibZqkfmt8tiRc1ap/2cw1image.jpeg?width=750" class="align-full" width="750"/></a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>Content Marketing has become an Automotive Buzzword Recently</strong></span> <br/>With developing technology and the Internet taking over our lives, PR and marketing terms constantly develop and shift in meaning. So, I thought a little primer on content marketing might be useful!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The classic definition of marketing typically involves activities such as ads, coupons and direct mail pieces, both digital and in traditional media. Add the word “content” in front, however, and things get a little fuzzy for some.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>What exactly is content marketing? And, do you need to be involved in it?</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Content is at the heart of what we do as marketers.</strong> <br/> We send messages to our customers, clients, and our readers. The messages we relay, regardless of the form it takes, is our content.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Content marketing is using that content to meet a marketing goal.</strong> <br/> Perhaps it is the acquisition of potential customers, retention of existing ones, or making more people aware of your brand or products.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>You’re probably already doing some of it.</strong> <br/> Content marketing includes any piece of content you put out via any platform that does NOT involve direct selling. “Why would I not want to sell directly with ALL my content?” you may be thinking. Because sometimes, your audience is more willing to listen to and interact with you if you’re not shouting, “buy something from me!” in their ear.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Content marketing can include blog articles, social media posts, trade magazine articles, images and anything designed to engage your audience OTHER THAN your traditional advertising and direct marketing efforts.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>What are the Benefits of Content Marketing?</strong></span></p>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li><strong>It keeps you top-of-mind</strong> – Whether you’re a dealership selling to consumers, or a vendor selling to dealerships, not everyone buys immediately. In addition, those customers who did purchase, and your current clients, may be ripe at some point to repurchase. A great content marketing strategy keeps your business, product and services in front of the customer without being intrusive or in-your-face salesy.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<ol start="2">
<li><strong>It can lead to indirect exposure</strong> – Blog and magazine articles are an excellent way to position executives as thought leaders, and your business as a source of helpful content. People like educational material that is relevant to their needs.<br/><br/><strong>If you are a dealership you can perhaps provide information on vehicle service, or how to synch your smartphone with your in-vehicle entertainment system, for example...</strong> <br/> As a vendor you could focus on some key pain points dealers are faced with daily. By providing that material, you can easily get exposure through comments, sharing and just plain curiosity. Perhaps the person reading the blog doesn’t need your product or service right now. But, by adding them as an audience member, creating your company as a thought-leader, they could easily consider you first when the need arises.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<ol start="3">
<li><strong>It drives engagement and builds relationships</strong> – Content marketing can increase exposure through engaging the audience with relevant, thought-provoking material. I’m not talking about click-bait or pictures of puppies and kittens, but rather helpful information that is welcomed by and, eventually, looked forward to by the audience. This promotes a sense of relationship and begins the process of trust.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<ol start="4">
<li><strong>Search engine optimization</strong> – Google looks for relevance in content. It crawls sites and includes you in its search results when it finds new content. The more often that new content is added to your website, the more likely you are to appear in a relevant search on the topic, increasing organic exposure to your website. Without content, there would be nothing to optimize for search engines. Every link earned by every marketer points to a piece of content, and the keywords that people type into search engines are an attempt to find that content.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<ol start="5">
<li><strong>Web site traffic –</strong> The more eyeballs you have on your website, the more likely you are to get leads and sales. A good content marketing strategy will push people to view that content on your website which could then lead to further exploration and conversions on your website CTAs.</li>
</ol>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>The bottom line is this:</strong> If you create great content that targets potential customers, you can shorten the distance between these customers and your products, increasing the chance that they'll make a purchase later.</p>How To Use The Law Of Reciprocity To Sell More Carstag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-16:1970539:BlogPost:6564062018-02-16T14:53:48.000ZWendell Hardyhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/WendellHardy
<p><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/MerpuVdCLqY8z4HnoIu8tIhaitQvv*Hp9zQmQAEN-RvkTe9a4eT8hoVNIxQpnOFYA0rcr9VXAkhKgjFypkI9HD5W04EWURSf/iautoimage.jpeg?width=380" width="380"></img></p>
<div id="contentsContainer"><div id="contents"><p id="E46"><span id="E47"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/MerpuVdCLqY8z4HnoIu8tIhaitQvv*Hp9zQmQAEN-RvkTe9a4eT8hoVNIxQpnOFYA0rcr9VXAkhKgjFypkI9HD5W04EWURSf/iautoimage.jpeg" target="_self"></a>Have you ever noticed that it’s easier to get people to do something for you after you’ve done something for them? Social psychologists call this the “Law of Reciprocity” and, in a nutshell, the theory is that when we do something for…</span></p>
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<p><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/MerpuVdCLqY8z4HnoIu8tIhaitQvv*Hp9zQmQAEN-RvkTe9a4eT8hoVNIxQpnOFYA0rcr9VXAkhKgjFypkI9HD5W04EWURSf/iautoimage.jpeg?width=380" width="380" class="align-right"/></p>
<div id="contentsContainer"><div id="contents"><p id="E46"><span id="E47"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/MerpuVdCLqY8z4HnoIu8tIhaitQvv*Hp9zQmQAEN-RvkTe9a4eT8hoVNIxQpnOFYA0rcr9VXAkhKgjFypkI9HD5W04EWURSf/iautoimage.jpeg" target="_self"></a>Have you ever noticed that it’s easier to get people to do something for you after you’ve done something for them? Social psychologists call this the “Law of Reciprocity” and, in a nutshell, the theory is that when we do something for others, it creates a sense of obligation from them when asked for something in return. Dealers have practiced this concept for years – whether they know it or not. It’s built into the most basic sales processes most dealers use. In example, when you greet a customer, you don’t ask for their name first. That may put them on their guard. However, when you present yourself offering your name first, it’s natural in any setting for the person you are talking with to reciprocate and tell you their name.</span></p>
<p id="E48"></p>
<p id="E49"><span id="E50">When applied correctly, this law can assist you in establishing trust and rapport with a customer more quickly than normal. When a customer comes into your dealership, it’s infinitely easier to build rapport for them if you can show them that you are genuinely there to help them. Oftentimes, salespeople are guarded and don’t want to answer questions out of fear</span> <span id="E51">– fear of saying the wrong thing, fear that their answers will add obstacles on the road to the sale, or fear that the customer may discover their lack of knowledge. By assisting the customer in a genuine way and answering any questions they have honestly, you’ll establish credibility in their eyes and perhaps lift the guard that many customers naturally enter dealerships with.</span></p>
<p id="E52"></p>
<p id="E53"><span id="E54">The same concept applies in</span> <span id="E55">digital marketing. Your website is, for all intents and purposes, your virtual dealership. When customers enter your virtual dealership, how are you greeting them? Are you providing the information that they need? Many dealer websites place obstacles that cause friction in the conversion process. Consider the customer who entered your website looking for pricing on a vehicle. If you force them to fill out a form before giving them a price, you are asking them to give you something of value – their personal information – yet you haven’t given them anything. If you want to increase your conversion rates, try being more transparent and offering more information up front. It establishes your dealerships credibility and shows a willingness to be helpful.</span></p>
<p id="E56"></p>
<p id="E57"><span id="E58">This lack of transparency and obstacles to conversion are the exact reason that visitors leave a dealer’s website to gather information on third-party sites. They leave because those sites give them what they’re looking for up-front. You don’t have to convert to see a price on shopping portals but I guarantee that customers convert more on those shopping portals for the simple reason that they were given the information they were looking for.</span> <span id="E59">I can’t think of any dealer or vendor that would disagree with the fact that the best leads (</span><span id="E61">ie</span><span id="E63">.</span> <span id="E64">those that are the</span> <span id="E65">highest converting and have the best closing ratio) are organic leads yet by forcing customers to visit other sites to gathe</span><span id="E66">r information, dealers</span> <span id="E67">end up paying $25 or more for a third-party lead that was sent to 4 dealerships and closes at 8% or less.</span></p>
<p id="E68"></p>
<p id="E69"><span id="E70">Review your website from a fresh set of eyes. Become the customer and see how </span><span>much information you can actually get. Look for a price on a new vehicle or used</span> <span id="E71">vehicle. See if you have information on service. Can you contact someone at your dealership from your website? What calls to action do you have and are they offering the customer a reason to give you their information.</span></p>
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<div id="contentsContainer"><div id="contents"><p id="E73"></p>
<p id="E74"><span id="E75">In essence, are you telling them your name first or are you asking them to give you theirs?</span></p>
<p id="E78"></p>
<p id="E79"><span id="E80">Using the concept of the Law of Reciprocity when implementing any digital marketing strategy is very powerful. Give consumers the information up-front, be transparent and helpful, and offer them something of value. You’ll find that you’re beginning your new relationship one-step ahead and, once they convert, you’ll have already established some rapport and credibility which will make them much more likely to come into your dealership and much more likely to buy a car.</span></p>
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</div>Car upgrade - freeing up your garage spacetag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-16:1970539:BlogPost:6565982018-02-16T08:39:32.000ZCynthia Madisonhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/CynthiaMadison
<p>So you have finally decided to replace your car and switch to a bigger, more spacious and luxurious version. The prospect of driving around in a more appealing vehicle is certainly exciting, but quickly after purchasing the car you will start thinking about parking. Once you upgrade, if you are investing a large amount of money, you probably don’t want to keep the vehicle parked in front of the house, and you will start using your garage more often. However, if you are like any other…</p>
<p>So you have finally decided to replace your car and switch to a bigger, more spacious and luxurious version. The prospect of driving around in a more appealing vehicle is certainly exciting, but quickly after purchasing the car you will start thinking about parking. Once you upgrade, if you are investing a large amount of money, you probably don’t want to keep the vehicle parked in front of the house, and you will start using your garage more often. However, if you are like any other homeowner, this area of your house is probably cluttered with numerous belongings, which will make parking a bit difficult. So here’s how you can free up the space in an easy manner</p>
<p> <a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/LOLHcXBpSGWTQGsjvQEEmULgEWT-NTUxw4RQMaO3oslwBdY09sYG4-Il1JgRYjspWzxJ09iE4JxjWD9YLJCAtRbGVEPs5O4y/Carupgradefreeingupyourgaragespace.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/LOLHcXBpSGWTQGsjvQEEmULgEWT-NTUxw4RQMaO3oslwBdY09sYG4-Il1JgRYjspWzxJ09iE4JxjWD9YLJCAtRbGVEPs5O4y/Carupgradefreeingupyourgaragespace.jpg?width=600" width="600" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<h2>Throw away everything you don’t need</h2>
<p>Start by organizing everything you are currently storing in your garage. From Christmas decorations, to gardening tool, go through every single item there, and think if you actually need holding on to it. Once you start a proper garage cleaning, you will be surprised to discover how many useless items you might have kept there for years. In order to maximize the storage capacities of the area, and actually have enough room for your new car, throwing out things you no longer use is necessary. After you have completed this step, you can move on to the next one, and that is searching for <a href="https://usselfstorage.com/storage-units-near-me">storage units near me</a> on the internet.</p>
<h2>Rent a storage unit</h2>
<p>A storage unit rental can be a great solution for those with limited capabilities in the storage department. Instead of occupying space with belongings that you might not be using at the moment, but are not able to throw away, simply resort to a storage facility and rent a unit. You will find plenty of options in this department, so accessing one that can cover all your needs and requirements will be an easy job. For a small amount, you can get the storage space you require, and not have to worry about your car being surrounded by chaotic clutter.</p>
<h2>Consider installing suspended racks</h2>
<p>Because you will still need to use the garage to keep some of your possessions, to optimize the space in the best manner possible, you should think about installing suspended racks. Ceiling mounted shelves are a great option, which will allow you to increase the available floor space (in order to actually have sufficient room for your car), while still having your storage requirements covered. Once you see how practical these types of racks actually are, you will be glad you have decided to install a few yourself.</p>
<p>Purchasing your dream vehicle is certainly extremely exciting, but when the car is a bit bigger than your previous one, parking it in your garage might be an inconvenience. To make sure you will not scratch the vehicle, or are unable to even park it there, due to a cluttered, overfilled space, taking care of some aspects in advance is a must. With the tips mentioned above, you can make sure that your garage is able to accommodate your new purchase without any problems.</p>Old Beauty: 3 Ways to Keep Your Classic Car Looking Its Besttag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-16:1970539:BlogPost:6565952018-02-16T01:18:13.000ZBrooke Chaplanhttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/BrookeChaplan
<p><a href="https://reggiesgarage.com/collections/shop-all-products/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/j2CWP3Ww1n7P3Sy415G9XeRpXCN1jmQ0JgAp34qJhulRZ4Y2lG5DzJ7co0Xwvqy8XqkBqsq8oVRAKHticzDr5Ij0MZT2lZUm/cuba3128838_1280.jpg?width=750" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>If you have even a single classic car, you are likely aware that classics do not stay classics without maintenance. Additionally, classic cars tend to involve a greater degree of maintenance and care than is common for contemporary vehicles. This article aims to highlight three major approaches to preserving the quality of everything from the Model T to the ‘57 Chevy or…</p>
<p><a href="https://reggiesgarage.com/collections/shop-all-products/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/j2CWP3Ww1n7P3Sy415G9XeRpXCN1jmQ0JgAp34qJhulRZ4Y2lG5DzJ7co0Xwvqy8XqkBqsq8oVRAKHticzDr5Ij0MZT2lZUm/cuba3128838_1280.jpg?width=750" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>If you have even a single classic car, you are likely aware that classics do not stay classics without maintenance. Additionally, classic cars tend to involve a greater degree of maintenance and care than is common for contemporary vehicles. This article aims to highlight three major approaches to preserving the quality of everything from the Model T to the ‘57 Chevy or even a ‘79 Pontiac Firebird.</p>
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<h2>Having a Quality Storage Room</h2>
<p>When you have a car that you consider to be a classic, you want to resort to better protection than using a tarp and keeping it parked in a closed garage. When it comes to classic cars, a quality storage facility is a place that allows for full control of the room’s temperature and humidity in order to minimize bacterial development. You also want a place that allows you to place the car on jack stands in order to minimize long-term damage to the tires. Lastly, car fanatics who live in rural areas may wish to use a car storage facility in order to minimize the chances of pests and vermin finding a home.</p>
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<h2>Having a Full Supply of Replacement Components</h2>
<p>It is a sad and costly fact that the rarer your particular classic car happens to be, the more difficult it can be to find replacement parts. While you may be lucky enough to have a local parts source that specializes in your particular vehicle, not everyone has that luck. When local vendors run dry on the parts specific to your classic car, your interests may best be served by looking for replacement parts online from sites like <a href="https://reggiesgarage.com/collections/shop-all-products/">Reggie’s Garage</a>. The internet affords car aficionados a much better chance of finding the perfect back-up for a functional part or a replacement for a damaged one with only the cost of shipping and handling being added to the purchase price.</p>
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<h2>Having a Regular Cleansing Regimen</h2>
<p>While this is one of the most basic of tips for maintaining a classic car, it is hardly one that needs to be omitted in tips and guides. Give your vehicle a thorough rinse, dry it off, apply some quality car wax and finish the routine by draping the vehicle in a cloth tarp so that any trace humidity will escape through the tarp, rather than become trapped by a plastic tarp and risking damage to the paint.</p>
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<p>Owning a classic car can be a fulfilling experience. Just remember that anything that brings a person joy usually comes with a commensurate list of responsibilities to continue that enjoyment. Remember to find a quality storage chamber for when you are not touring your vehicles at shows and fan events, to keep a supply of backup and replacement parts and to regularly wash and wax your vehicle.</p>Negotiation-Free Pricing Done Well In Lexus Plustag:www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com,2018-02-15:1970539:BlogPost:6565912018-02-15T22:48:53.000ZCPI Resultshttp://www.automotivedigitalmarketing.com/profile/CenterforPerformanceImproveme
<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-a9efaa927e9f2bfe4c1f"><div class="sqs-block-content"><h2><strong>Many of today’s car buyers want a different dealership experience.…</strong></h2>
<p><strong><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/sYdXyy4wO6037D-etCjjt63bkUx7zKVwgq1EcBpTUZm1bprn-uo-E34J*ecwkWmtCplB7GsOaDt4XYqbAIxCwhRJd1f0b1EB/NegotiationFreePricingDoneWellinLexusPlus.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/sYdXyy4wO6037D-etCjjt63bkUx7zKVwgq1EcBpTUZm1bprn-uo-E34J*ecwkWmtCplB7GsOaDt4XYqbAIxCwhRJd1f0b1EB/NegotiationFreePricingDoneWellinLexusPlus.jpg?width=450" width="450"></img></a></strong></p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-a9efaa927e9f2bfe4c1f"><div class="sqs-block-content"><h2><strong>Many of today’s car buyers want a different dealership experience.</strong></h2>
<p><strong><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/sYdXyy4wO6037D-etCjjt63bkUx7zKVwgq1EcBpTUZm1bprn-uo-E34J*ecwkWmtCplB7GsOaDt4XYqbAIxCwhRJd1f0b1EB/NegotiationFreePricingDoneWellinLexusPlus.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/sYdXyy4wO6037D-etCjjt63bkUx7zKVwgq1EcBpTUZm1bprn-uo-E34J*ecwkWmtCplB7GsOaDt4XYqbAIxCwhRJd1f0b1EB/NegotiationFreePricingDoneWellinLexusPlus.jpg?width=450" width="450" class="align-right"/></a></strong></p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_9_1517335676134_5088"><div class="sqs-block-content"><p>The hard-nosed sales tactics, tough negotiations, and a disjointed in-store experience creates an unfriendly environment.</p>
<p>Customers want a less stressful visit when they visit their retailer, whether it’s searching for a new car, a pre-owned model, or visiting the service department. It’s why no-haggle pricing is such a trending topic as of late.</p>
<p>That’s why<span> </span><a target="_blank" href="https://www.lexus.com/lexusplus/" rel="noopener">Lexus Plus</a><span> </span>was developed.</p>
<h2><strong>It took four years of intense, methodical preparation to bring Lexus Plus to fruition.</strong></h2>
<p>Its purpose is to provide up-front, transparent pricing and seamless service throughout the customer’s car-buying and ownership journey.</p>
<p>Greg Kitzens, General Manager of Lexus Marketing, says, "Guests want a negotiation-free price like a lot of other goods and services that they purchase. They want a more personalized, more transparent process in dealing with an automotive dealer. Those are the two main guardrails that we’ve instituted.”</p>
<p>At a Lexus Plus retailer, Guests have a single contact person for their experience. The Sales Associate brings the Guest through the vehicle presentation, the sales agreement, and the F&amp;I process.</p>
<h2><strong>In every facet, transparency is a fundamental principle.</strong></h2>
<p>The fixed operations departments are also important to the Lexus Plus program. Service and parts pricing is negotiation-free and customer service is provided by a single point of contact.</p>
<h2>Lexus Retailers Are In Control</h2>
<p>Throughout the Lexus Plus structure, the retailer is in control. Negotiation-free pricing is set by the retailer for new and pre-owned vehicles as well as the fixed operations departments.</p>
<p>Most importantly, Lexus Plus is not a mandatory program. Retailers can request to be a part of the program if it feels right for their market and store. To enroll, Lexus conducts a series of twenty engagements to ready the dealer for implementation, ensuring the retailer’s success when they go live.</p>
<h2>It requires a total buy-in, though; a culture change in the store.</h2>
<p>Killing the old sales habits and methods isn’t easy, especially for long-time dealers and associates. For those who implement Lexus Plus, retailers need to “burn the ship”.</p>
<p>Tim Medeiros, Senior Manager for Future Retailing and Incentives at Lexus, says, "In a word, it’s preparation. Culture change can take a long time. We talk a lot about people, the processes, the things you need to understand will be different, and potential pitfalls. We methodically get dealers ready for launch.”</p>
<p>Committing to a culture change necessitates new Associates who are familiar with the style and vision in the Lexus Plus program. Kitzens says.</p>
<h2><strong>“It’s allowing Lexus Plus dealers to attract a much different type of Associate, especially on the sales side.</strong></h2>
<p>Younger salespeople don’t want to go through the negotiation grind. It’s allowed us to attract a higher caliber of salesperson and upgrade associate satisfaction which translates into customer satisfaction at the end of the day.”</p>
<h2><strong>Lexus Plus is focused on providing each and every Guest with the in-store experience they desire.</strong></h2>
<p>It takes less time, it’s less stressful, and they aren’t passed from person to person throughout the funnel. For dealers who have “burned the ship”, the reward is a consistently more satisfied guest.</p>
<h2>For Lexus retailers that are interested in learning more about enrolling in Lexus Plus, contact your Lexus Area Office.</h2>
<p>Your dedicated Lexus Plus Champion can help you decide if it’s right for you and begin the journey.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.lexus.com/lexusplus/" rel="noopener">https://www.lexus.com/lexusplus/</a></p>
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<p><em>See the original article posted on <a href="https://www.centerforperformanceimprovement.com/blog/2018/1/30/negotiation-free-pricing-done-well-in-lexus-plus" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Center for Performance Improvement</a></em></p>
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